Border War Coming Back to Billings

After nearly a decade's absence Montana State and Wyoming are bringing the First Interstate Bank Border War back to Billings.
 
The ancient rivals get together in Billings on November 22 in the Rimrock Auto Arena at Metra Park for the first time since 2006, although the teams have met three times on campus in the past two seasons, Visit Billings and the city's local chapter of the Bobcat Club organizing committee announced Tuesday. The Cats also visit Laramie's Arena-Auditorium on November 28 this year.
 
"Bobcat Basketball has strong ties to the city of Billings and a long history with the University of Wyoming," MSU Director of Athletics Peter Fields said. "The atmosphere and enthusiasm for these games brings to mind the post-season, and I look forward to our fans supporting this Border War game."
 
The event is a revival of the First Interstate Bank Border War, which occurred in Billings seven times from 1993 to 2006. The Cowboys won each of those contests, and in fact have triumphed in 16 of the 17 tilts played between these schools since 1961. Rocky Mountain Conference rivals from 1916 to 1936, the Bobcats and Wyoming have played 54 games in a dozen different towns throughout the west dating to the series' inception in 1924. MSU is 11-43 against the Pokes.
 
"I want to thank Todd Buchanan and Scott Hatler and the committee for the hard work to make this happen, along with the community of Billings, First Interstate Bank and Visit Billings," said Bobcat coach Brian Fish. "We're excited to play in Billings, and I appreciate Larry Shyatt and the University of Wyoming for agreeing to play this game." Bobcat senior Danny Robison, a Billings West grad, will return to his hometown for this year's game.
 
Visit Billings offers support of this event through marketing and promotion as a means to grow a quality event during off-peak tourist season.