FRISCO, Texas – When the clock hit zero on Montana State’s semifinal game against South Dakota in December, the mission for Bobcat fans was clear.

Head to Frisco, Texas.

And the fans were happy to oblige.

On Sunday night at the Ford Center at The Star, an estimated 5,000 fans packed the field for Montana State’s Sunday Funday party on the eve of the FCS championship game between Montana State and North Dakota State.

Head coach Brent Vigen addressed the raucous crowd, as did president Waded Cruzado and athletic director Leon Costello.

“To come in and see the energy, the people, I think everyone is because of the season we had, because of the leadership we have in President Cruzado and because of all the things that are happening at MSU,” Costello said told MTN Sports. “The momentum has just gotten us to this point and it’s cool to see everyone traveling to Texas to support us.

“This is a dream come true, right?”

Those in attendance included several MSU legends such as former record-setting linebacker Jim Kalafat. He and his teammates had nothing but praise for the undefeated 2024-25 Bobcats.

“Let me tell you something: When you’re 15-0, it doesn’t matter if you play peewee football, in high school or in college, you have a 15-0 record, you have a damn good one Job accomplished,” Kalafat said. “So I have to tell you, the coaches, players, fans, they have to be proud of themselves because that happens very rarely indeed.”

Montana State has won three football national championships in the program’s history: 1956, 1976 and 1984. Members of those teams see similarities to this year’s team.

“You know, the 1976 team was unique in its own way because there were no superstars. We were definitely a team that came together. We wanted to win,” said 1976 co-captain Tim Nixon. “We played together and that was the most important thing. Winning feels good. And I’ve played with a number of winners. And this team feels the same way.”

And Sunday’s event is proof that victory extends far beyond the football field.

“Bobcat Nation was great. You know, in my nine years, they were very supportive. They support our teams. They support us financially. They come to the games and it just keeps growing,” Costello said. “And not just from a football perspective, but when you look at it across all of our sports. I think all of our student-athletes feel that and it allows them to excel in everything they do.”

Only one thing remains to add an exclamation point to an already historic season.

“There is no doubt that we have the best fans in the country,” Vigen told the audience to loud cheers. “And we have the best team in the country and we’re going to prove that tomorrow night.”