Letter From The AD: Gold Rush 2022 Edition
8/30/2022 6:06:00 PM | Football, General
A letter from Montana State Director of Athletics Leon Costello
Dear Bobcats,
Happy Bobcat Game Week! After another beautiful summer in Bozeman, we are excited to get the fall semester and sports season underway. Earlier this month, we welcomed students back to campus and the energy since has been palpable. We met with all 350+ of our student-athletes for our annual 'Welcome Back BBQ' and I continue to be inspired by the caliber of individuals that choose Montana State to continue their education and playing careers.
I also continue to be inspired by the people who support our athletic department and our student-athletes. Last year, we raised more than $2.6M for our Bobcat Club Annual Scholarship Fund through special events, license plates, season ticket seat contributions, charitable gifts, and more. This is nearly $1M more than we raised in 2020 and $1.2M more than in 2019. We are within reach of the $3M goal announced in our 'Three to Win' campaign. Raising $3M annually will allow us to cover all scholarship related expenses and continue to recruit the top student-athletes and provide them with the resources they need to succeed at Montana State.
Our annual Blue & Gold Gala is a key event in our fundraising goals. Please save the date for Friday, October 21 and join us in a great night for a great cause. Tickets go on sale on September 1 and can be purchased here.
Saturday's Gold Rush game vs. McNeese is nearly a sellout, however, there are standing room only tickets still available, which can be purchased here. Our student body continues to amaze as we sold out of 4,100 student tickets in 25 minutes on Monday! The energy in Bobcat Stadium will be electric.
As we look ahead to Saturday's Gold Rush game, I'd like to remind you of a few things to make your trip to Bobcat Stadium as enjoyable as possible:
- Please download your mobile tickets and parking passes before you head our way we don't want you to have to rely on spotty cell service around the stadium to get your tickets loaded and ready.
- Don't forget that Bobcat Stadium has a clear bag policy you can review that here.
- If you are a tailgate pass holder, watch your email for tailgating polices for the year. Please note that Saturday is the earliest you'll be able to access your tailgate space- it's important to remember that parking around the stadium is available to MSU students during the week.
- Be sure to enter the stadium as early as possible! With the expected crowds, lines will be long if you wait. We don't want you to miss things like the Spirit of the West pregame show featuring our MSU Rodeo team, the honoring of our Bobcat Athletics Hall of Fame class, etc. It's also not too late to get your official Gold Rush shirt, available at both MSU Bookstore and Universal Athletic.
- It is never too early to start thinking about Bobcat Basketball. Both the men's and women's teams are coming off Big Sky Conference Championships and trips to their respective NCAA Tournaments. Get your tickets today for and exciting winter in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.
- Don't forget, Bobcat Volleyball will be playing the rivalry match in the Brawl of the Wild Series in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse this year. Get your tickets today and help us beat the Big Sky Conference Volleyball attendance record.
- Bobcat Cross Country will host the MSU Cross Country Classic, Saturday, September 17 at Bridger Creek Golf Course. Join us as we cheer on the men's and women's cross-country teams.
- Last year was a year to remember and I am excited about the opportunities ahead for our Bobcat programs this year. I can't thank you enough for your continued support of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff. It truly takes a TEAM effort, and I am so proud of our entire TEAM. I look forward to seeing you on campus at one of our home events.
It's a great day to be a Bobcat!
Leon Costello
Director of Athletics
