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MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact:  Shirley Melikian Armbruster (559) 278-5292 or (559) 593-1815

Oct. 22, 2003

Grand Opening Events at

the Save Mart Center at Fresno State

Editors: Following is a list of Grand Opening events and activities that you may wish to cover. Please make arrangements to cover any of these through the University Relations office (559) 278-2795.

Info for the General Public  Newsletter (pdf)

Friday, Oct. 24 – University Sneak Peek and Homecoming Pep Rally, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fresno State students, faculty, staff, retirees and alumni are invited to tour the Save Mart Center. A Homecoming Pep Rally will be held at noon.

Monday, Oct. 27 – Ribbon Cutting, 10 a.m. Speakers will include President John D. Welty, California State University Chancellor Charles Reed, corporate donors and VIPs.

Tuesday, Oct. 28 – Unveiling and dedication of the Bulldog statue in the Shehadey Lobby, 7:45 p.m. (This event follows a Bulldog Foundation reception) Contact: Pat Ogle, 248-2340.

Wed., Oct. 29 – Media Snoop, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Members of the media are invited to lunch, a tour and a briefing about facilities, press policies and procedures. (Media only)

Thursday, Oct. 30 – Fresno State Alumni Association’s “Top Dog” gala to honor the university’s most distinguished alumni, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Special honoree this year is Robert Beltran, Theatre Arts graduate of Fresno State and star of the TV series “Star Trek: Voyager.” Family members will accept the award. In addition, Evelyn Husband, widow of astronaut Rick Husband, will attend to receive the award he was unable to accept last year when he was in training for his shuttle mission. (Full release on this event to come.)

Saturday, Nov. 1 – Community Open House, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thousands of Central California residents are expected to tour the center, sample food at the concession stands and view special performances by Valley high school musical and performing arts groups.

Monday, Nov. 3 – Americans with Disabilities Act informative briefing and tour, 5-7 p.m. Representatives of the organizations serving the disabled community have been invited to a briefing about how to best use the center’s services for disabled visitors.

Wednesday, Nov. 5 -  Basketball Extravaganza Kicks Off Season on Nov. 5
Banner ceremonies, team introductions, fan contests and a co-ed scrimmage highlight the Save Mart Center's opening night. The Fresno State men's and women's basketball teams will make their first public appearance of the season on Nov. 5 at the Bulldog Basketball Extravaganza. The event will also serve as the opening night for the new Save Mart Center.  Doors open to fans at 5:30 p.m. and autograph sessions with both the men's and women's teams will begin at 6 p.m. Photo opportunities with Fresno State's mascot, Timeout, will also be available, and games will be positioned in the arena for entertainment. For those who have not yet done so, the Save Mart Center will be on display for fans to view and familiarize themselves with. Events such as a media all-star game, a mascot basketball game and dance team performances will precede the introduction of the 2003 Fresno State volleyball team. Banner ceremonies for last year's men's and women's basketball teams will also be conducted.
 

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