From Merch to decades of community support and donations, discover how Owenhouse Ace has stood by the Bobcats and Montana State University! This isn’t just a sports fan story – it’s a glimpse into Bozeman pride, blue and gold spirit, and a friendship that’s lasted through generations.
September 1977: Bobcats and Owenhouse Ace’s Truck
If you were around Bozeman back in 1977, chances are you saw it: a shiny dark green truck flying a big Bobcats banner, proudly showing off Owenhouse Ace Hardware’s support for the team during Homecoming.
Owenhouse Ace Hardware truck during Homecoming in September 1977
It might’ve looked like a parade float on wheels (because it pretty much was), but that truck was more than just banners and paint. It carried the spirit of Bozeman.
According to Larry Bowman, this particular truck was never meant for deliveries or errands. It’s always been carefully stored in the Owenhouse warehouse most of the year and only brought out for parades, festivals, or any big reason to rally around the Bobcats.
Now, the truck didn’t have any official connection to Montana State University, but that wasn’t really the point. It just stood for something bigger: a local business stepping up to support its town, loud and proud!
Montana State University Bobcats and Owenhouse Ace Donations
Owenhouse Ace’s connection with MSU hasn’t just played out at games and parades. Over the years, we’ve supported the university in more hands-on ways, through meaningful donations that serve both students and the broader Bozeman community.
Owenhouse Ace and the MSU Vehicle Donation Program
Back when Owenhouse Ace was selling Scouts and Travelalls, we got involved in the Montana State University Vehicle Donation Program – helping the Athletics Department get where they needed to go, plain and simple.
Each year:
- We’d loan a brand-new vehicle from our lot to MSU – usually for a coach, the team or someone on the athletics staff to use throughout the season.
- Once the year was up, the vehicle came back to us and got sold as a used rig on the lot.
- In return, we’d get priority seating for football and basketball games (if you spot us in the good seats, come say hi), plus a few other perks. But really, this wasn’t about perks.
It was just one more way two long-time Bozeman institutions looked out for each other.
Cars donated to the Bobcats by Owenhouse Ace Hardware in 1980.
Not many records exist of where those old vehicles ended up. So if you’ve got a photo, a memory, or think you’ve seen one going around Bozeman, we’d love to hear about it!
“Owenhouse Ace would receive football and basketball tickets with priority seating, as well as other perks, thanks to the donation program.”
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Owenhouse Ace and Can the Griz
Every November, as the Bobcats prepare to take on their rivals in the Brawl of the Wild, the Bozeman community rallies for something even bigger: the Can the Griz food drive competition (and every bit helps, you can contribute, too!)
We’ve been so proud to be part of this tradition for years, helping collect thousands of pounds of food and donations for the Gallatin Valley Food Bank!
Can The Griz Promo by Owenhouse Ace Hardware in 2024
It’s a team effort, and here’s how it usually goes:
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- Donation bins are placed at Owenhouse Ace Hardware locations in October or November.
- Customers and community members are encouraged to bring in non-perishable food items – think pasta, canned goods, peanut butter, you name it!
- We also take cash donations, and every dollar counts as multiple pounds toward MSU’s total.
- All the food and funds go directly to local families in need, just in time for the holidays.
- The final results are announced before the big game.
Can The Griz bin at Owenhouse Ace Hardware in 2024
For us, it’s not about winning the rivalry (even though we always love a friendly competition). It’s about making a real difference and showing that Bobcat pride means caring for your neighbors, too!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated – and don’t miss your chance to donate during the next Can the Griz!
The Bobcats and Owenhouse Ace today
Beyond donations, Owenhouse Ace is always there – in the stands, on the sidewalks, and quietly supporting the Bobcats. It’s not just something we do, it’s part of who we are! We show up with our people, our presence, and a whole lot of Bobcat pride.
Montana State University Bobcats Community Cat Walk at Owenhouse Ace – August 2024
Want to see what the Community Cat Walk looked like, in 2024? Click here!
You’ll always find us taking part in:
- MSU Athletics events and games
- The annual Montana State University Homecoming Parade, lining Main Street with familiar faces
- The MSU Community Cat Walk, where student-athletes and Spirit Squad members stop by Owenhouse Ace and sing their hymn at the top of their lungs
- Stocking up on Bobcat merch every season so everyone can gear up
- Pitching in on campus giveaways, alumni events, and sponsorships throughout the year.
Whether it’s helping students move in, lending a hand for events, or simply putting up a Bobcat banner in our old truck, Owenhouse Ace is proud to show up. Always have. Always will!
Owenhouse Ace Hardware always behind the Bobcats, even during grilling events!
“Supporting the Bobcats is just part of being Bozeman. You don’t separate the two.” – Sheila, Owenhouse Ace GM
Bozeman Proud, Bobcat Strong
From parade trucks to pep rallies, vehicle donations to food drives, Owenhouse Ace has always stood alongside Montana State University and the Bobcats. It’s more than just support – it’s tradition, pride, and community, the Bozeman way.
Want more stories like this? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or check out our Bozeman Summers Through the Decades blog!
