Thousands Cheer Bobcats at Championship Parade in Bozeman

Champ the mascot dancing down Main Street, truck horns blaring, and thousands of fans wearing blue and gold turned downtown Bozeman into one giant celebration Saturday morning. The Montana State University Bobcats brought home a national championship, and their community showed up in force to say thank you.

"To see something like this go on in Bozeman is awesome," said fan Zach Anderson. "It's once in a lifetime, so we got to support it and be part of it."

The parade rolled through downtown on a picture-perfect morning, with players standing on flatbed trucks waving to the crowds. Coach Vigen rode on a car roof, greeting fans who'd watched every game. MSU President Brock Tessman joined with his family, alongside Governor Greg Gianforte and the First Lady.

The Spirit of the West marching band kept energy high while the cheer team rallied the crowd. At one point during the parade, spectators looked up to see "MSU" written in the clouds above, a skywritten salute to the champions.

Some fans made serious commitments to be there. Josh McCoy and his family drove all the way from Rexford, Montana, several hours away. Nick Ford had followed the team from the season's first game to this triumphant finish.

For Bobbie Jo McClure, a Bobcat fan since 1985, the moment carried decades of loyalty. "I'm so excited," she said. "Wouldn't have missed it for the world."

One young fan had different priorities. "The part that I'm really excited about in the parade is seeing Taco!" he said, referring to another beloved team tradition.

McCoy brought extra meaning to the celebration, marking his 17th wedding anniversary by sharing the parade with his wife. "We thought it'd be a great way to celebrate," he said.

The Ripple Effect

This championship parade represents more than athletic achievement for Bozeman and Montana. Small communities across the state watched their own kids grow up dreaming of wearing Bobcat blue. Local businesses closed their doors so employees could join the celebration. Families created memories they'll retell for generations.

The parade reminded everyone what community feels like when people gather to celebrate shared success. From Rexford to Bozeman, from longtime fans to kids meeting Taco the mascot, the championship created a moment when an entire state smiled together.

Throughout the morning, fans shared the same rallying cry that carried them through the season: "Go Cats!"