Homecoming traditions will come to life throughout the week (Oct. 15-21) at California State University, Fresno with events to build spirit among students, faculty and staff plus gatherings of alumni and community members.
The focal point is the football game at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, when long-time Fresno State rival San Jose State visits Bulldog Stadium for a Western Athletic Conference matchup. But the football game isn’t the only big event of the week, nor the only athletic event, either.
Homecoming’s official kickoff is at 11 a.m. Monday on the lawn in front of the Kennel Bookstore. There will be music, airbrush tattoos and appearances by the Spirit Squad and mascot Timeout, who is celebrating his 80th year with a makeover.
At 11:30, the week’s theme “Bulldog Blaze: The Heat is On” takes on significant meaning for hardy souls who will participate in a jalapeño pepper-eating contest. And at noon, the always-popular minibike races will begin.
There are activities each day around noon in addition to the following:
Tuesday – Volleyball against Cal State Bakersfield, 6 p.m. at Save Mart Center
Thursday – Top Dog Alumni Awards Gala, 5:30 p.m., Save Mart Center; and Greek Step Sing Show, 7 p.m., Satellite Student Union
Friday – Mariachi music, salsa dancers, salsa recipe contest, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., University Student Union balcony and in the Pit below; soccer against Louisiana Tech, 3 p.m., Bulldog Stadium
The momentum builds toward the pep rally at 5 p.m. Friday at Bulldog Boulevard (next to Bulldog Stadium) that is open to the community. The rally, a Homecoming tradition for many years at Fresno State, is making a return appearance as a way to bring the campus and community together in Bulldog spirit.
Student-athletes from several Fresno State sports will be recognized and there will be inflatable games, free food, step shows, a performance by the Fresno State Marching Band and contests (best-dressed Bulldog fan, best cheer, best banner and best end-zone dance).
Saturday’s action begins at 10 a.m. on Bulldog Boulevard, where there are family-friendly attractions and activities, food and live music until 30 minutes before kickoff. Admission is free.
The Fresno State Alumni Association’s Homecoming Tailgate Barbecue, which begins at 10 a.m. near Beiden Field, will welcome former students. Appearances by the Fresno State Marching Band, Timeout and Fresno State cheerleaders and food and beverages will be part of the fun.
The week’s activities continue at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, when Fresno State entertains Utah State in a WAC soccer match. People who have a ticket stub from Saturday’s football game will be admitted at no charge.
For more information contained in this release, please go to the following Web site(s):
Top Dog Alumni Gala
Homecoming 2007
Alumni Association Tailgate
Bulldogs Athletics
