When the weather cools and autumn sets in, a Montana pastime begins again—football! From Pee Wee all the way up to the NFL, Montana locals are die-hard football fans, supporting their team all season long. Especially when it comes to college football at Montana State University, where just down the street from the stadium is the next best place in Bozeman to catch the game, Spectators Bar and Grill.

The outdoor patio at Specs serves as a great spot to enjoy a pre-game drink with friends before walking two blocks down 11th Ave to Bobcat Stadium. Here, a parade of fans is decked out in blue and gold, ready for ‘Caturday’ festivities to begin, no matter the weather. Spectators’ Saturday specials, like Jello-Shots, Bobcat Bombs and burritos, along with fun and experienced servers, provide the best college football experience, before, during and even after the game. At Specs, the wins are celebrated, and the losses forgotten.

To prove their longstanding loyalty to the ‘Cats, the walls are adorned with Bobcat memorabilia, including iconic photos and informative posters with season updates and schedules. Even a section of a Bobcat goal post hangs from the ceiling, covered in signatures and bras, as seen in many Bozeman sports bars. The proximity to the games and their steadfast devotion to the team provide an unmatched Saturday atmosphere. With TV’s visible from every seat in the house, Specs is well prepared for their guests to support the ‘Cats, whether it be away games, or even just the sold out home games.

Equally as busy are Sundays at Specs, where every football game imaginable plays throughout the bar. Offering various channels and packages, not only is football front and center, so is any other sporting event, anytime of the year. With 20 TVs, there is no missing out on the action, whether it be football, basketball, tennis, golf, baseball, UFC, or soccer, all playing simultaneously throughout the space. With Bloody Marys and Caesars poured up for cheap, Specs is a Sunday staple in the Gallatin Valley.

Monday night football at Specs is the place to be. With the atmosphere a little calmer, dedicated sports fans can cheer on their team as they enjoy a domestic draft and a pound of wings for the nightly special. Their local beers are proudly displayed on a chalkboard near the bar, easy to read but tough to choose which drink to enjoy. Another chalkboard hangs where the most foot traffic occurs, reminding guests of what each night brings, the soup of the day, and any other information they might need.

The rest of the nightly specials are fitting to the Bozeman college vibe. Tequila Tuesdays, with a side of chips and salsa (or the recently revived Pizza and Pitcher night for $35). White Claw Wednesdays, with the delicious Steak, Salad, and Side night (get yours before it sells out). Tito’s Thursdays, with a B.A.B.B. (Big Old Burger and a Beer). These options keep the drinks flowing and guests coming in throughout the week, all leading up to Fireball Fridays, followed by weekend fun. While these options are the bar’s go-tos, anytime you stop into Specs you might find a brand new special to try out, especially at lunch time during the week, when they feature a surprise special via Instagram to lure guests in for a great bite to eat.

Covered in bar signs, Spectators boasts expansive collections of on tap beers, liquors, cans and bottles, readily available to make almost any mixed drink. Not to mention, they always seem to have the newest and hottest seltzers for you to try out. All are also sold next door, where they put their package liquor license into effect, allowing guests to grab what they need to make those mid-game mixed drinks from The Liquor Spot at home. Additionally, big winnings are waiting to be taken home from one of the seven casino machines set in the corner of the bar. There is even a sports betting machine next to the ATM by the front door, for those in need of placing a quick bet.

Specs is a local bar that cares about its guests and employees, evident by loyal regulars and the ample amount of seating, all covered in unique carvings and drawings made by individuals throughout the years. Locals and travelers alike take the opportunity to leave their name on the tabletops forever. The servers bring drinks fast, usually with a smiling familiar face, as many of the staff have worked there long enough to remember your name. If you intend to be there for the entire game, you may as well get a pre-meal bite; this is one of the few places where you can still grab a free bowl of peanuts to snack on.

Spectators Bar and Grill is a Montana State University classic. Here, students and alumni meet to laugh at old memories or make new ones together. Cheering on the Bobcats at Specs is an MSU experience to be had, no matter your age or college status. It’s the perfect place to make new friends and run into old ones, and to hear the Bozeman cheer, FTG! Go Cats Go!