Fresno State Athletics gains 10-year NCAA certification
Fresno State's Division I Athletics program has received NCAA certification April 16. The purpose of athletics certification is to ensure integrity in an institution’s athletics program and to assist universities in improving their athletics departments.

“NCAA certification is a monumental task and it is gratifying that Fresno State has been certified without conditions,” said Athletics Director Thomas Boeh. “In short, this designation serves as a declaration from the NCAA that Fresno State is doing things right and confirmation that we have indeed entered into a new era in Bulldog Athletics.”

Welty said the certification positions Fresno State Athletics “to continue its leadership role in the Western Athletic Conference.”

Each Division I athletics program must conduct a certification process every 10 years to ensure that it is in compliance with basic NCAA operating principles in governance and is following NCAA rules on academic integrity, equity and student-athlete well-being.

“I am very appreciative of the hard work the campus community and Bulldog supporters in the general community did to accomplish this,” Welty said. See the full story here.

Bulldog Foundation has new Web site
The Bulldog Foundation has a new home on the Web after collaborating with Fresno State’s Agricultural Technology Institute. At the new Web site current and prospective donors can find information regarding the annual fund, capital projects, football and men’s basketball tickets, football parking, sport clubs, and more. Visit the Web site here.

8 games close out Bulldogs' Beiden Field season
Fresno State closes out the 2009 home season with eight games at Beiden Field. At 6:05 p.m. today, May 1, the Bulldogs begin a four-game weekend series with Western Athletic Conference foe Nevada. On Saturday, May 2, the doubleheader action begins at 2:05 p.m. and there’s a  Strike Out Hunger Food Drive to benefit the Community Food Bank. The first 250 fans who bring five or more nonperishable food items will be admitted at no charge. And Sunday’s game against the Wolf Pack at 1:05 p.m. will celebrate Youth Baseball Day. The series against Hawai’i begins at 6:05 p.m. Thursday, May 7, continuing May 8 at 6:05 p.m. A doubleheader against the Warriors begins at 2:05 p.m. May 9, with free admission to the first 250 fans who bring five or more recyclable items to add to the World’s Largest Recyclable Bulldog.

Baseball promotions reduce Friday ticket costs for faculty/staff
Fresno State faculty and staff can take advantage of discount programs at the two remaining Friday night baseball games on the Bulldogs’ Beiden Field schedule. Today, May 1, for the game against Nevada is a Friday Nights at Beiden Field promotion. Upper-reserved seats will be available to staff and faculty for $4 apiece. On May 8, when Hawai’i visits, it will be Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night, with $2 admission. To receive the discounts, valid Fresno State faculty/staff ID must be presented at the Beiden Field box office on game day. There is a limit of four discounted tickets per ID.

Bulldog Diamond hosts WAC softball tournament
The 2009 Western Athletic Conference softball tournament will be held at Bulldog Diamond beginning Wednesday, May 6, and continuing through May 9. All-Tournament tickets are available for purchase through the first day of the tournament. Single-day tickets will go on sale to the general public, online only, beginning Saturday, May 2. They will be available for purchase online, over the phone and via walk-up beginning Monday, May 4. All-tournament tickets are $40 (lower box reserved seats), $35 (upper box reserved), $20 general admission (Age 18+), $10 general admission (65+, 5-17 years old and college students with ID). Single-game tickets are $5-$20 apiece.

Tickets may be purchased:

• Online: www.gobulldogs.com
• By phone: 278.DOGS (3647)
• Walk-Up: Bulldog Ticket Office, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday – Friday
• Walk-Up day of game: Bulldog Diamond Ticket Booth starting one hour prior to first game each day; cash only.

2009 football season tickets are available
Season tickets and special deals on family plans are available now for the 2009 football season in Bulldog Stadium. The home season begins at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 vs. UC Davis. Western Athletic Conference rival Boise State visits at 6 p.m. Sept. 18 in a game that will be televised nationally by ESPN and Fresno State fans are encouraged to wear white. The 7 p.m. Oct. 17 game against longtime foe San Jose State will be Homecoming and feature a food drive. The Bulldogs entertain Utah State at 2 p.m. Oct. 31, with a special Halloween celebration and it will be Band Day and Senior Day at 2 p.m. Nov. 21 when Louisiana Tech comes to Bulldog Stadium.