Fresno State Athletics
Valley Children's Stadium
Valley Children's Stadium
Last updated: July 13, 2022
Valley Children's Stadium is the home of the Fresno State football team.
The stadium first opened in 1980 for that year’s season finale on Nov. 15 as Bulldog Stadium, which remained its name until July 2022.
As the new home of Bulldog Football to kick off the 1981 season, the Bulldogs’ 2022 campaign will mark the 41st full season of football at the corner of Cedar and Barstow.
The 40,727-seat facility has established itself as one of the most difficult places to play for visiting teams. A claim staked on having the 20th-best home stadium winning percentage among all FBS football teams at the conclusion of last season.
Fresno State has found great success in its home facility, owning a record of 187-61-2, a winning percentage of nearly 75 percent. Since the turn of the century, the ‘Dogs have posted an 89-37 home record, which has been aided by four undefeated seasons at home in that stretch.
Some of the memorable home victories at Bulldog Stadium include winning back-to-back Mountain West Championships on its home field in 2012 and 2013. The 2013 edition was the inaugural Mountain West Championship game, led by the dynamic offensive duo of Derek Carr and Davante Adams, against Utah State.
Other notable games include a 44-24 win over No. 10 Oregon State in 2001 - the highest ranked opponent Fresno State has defeated. The 2017 season was capped by Fresno State defeating No. 23 Boise State, 28-17, and the Bulldogs rode that momentum into 2018 compiling an 11-1 record at home over the 2017-18 seasons.
Fresno State has been able to bring in some of the nation’s top teams to Bulldog Stadium over the years. Included on that list are Baylor, BYU, Cal, Cincinnati, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Oregon, Oregon State (twice), Rutgers and Wisconsin. Looking ahead to more nonconference foes, the ‘Dogs will welcome Oregon State (Pac-12) in 2022, Washington State in 2027 (Pac-12) and both Texas Tech (Big 12) in 2029 and Kansas (Big 12) in 2030.
The Red Wave has packed Bulldog Stadium to its limit countless times over the years. In 2000, the Bulldogs set a new single-season attendance record when they averaged 42,410 fans, the 22nd-best mark in the nation. The following season, in which Fresno State achieved a program-record national ranking of No. 8, was even better. The Bulldogs set another record by averaging 42,802 fans, including stadium single-game records of 42,881 in each of the last five contests of that year. In all, Fresno State has played 34 games in the stadium with 40,000 or more fans in the stands.
Original construction of Bulldog Stadium began in June of 1979, following what was then the most successful capital fundraising project ever undertaken in the San Joaquin Valley. Local residents raised in excess of $7 million for the project. No state tax dollars or student fees were used to build the stadium.
Built partially below ground level with the playing field 37 feet below grade, the bowl features a low profile appearance. A unique cantilevered lighting system extends toward the field and is directed downward to concentrate lighting on the playing surface.
Bulldog Stadium underwent a two-phase expansion project in 1991, which included the addition of more than 10,000 seats -- increasing the stadium’s capacity from 30,000 to more than 40,000 -- and the construction of 22 sky suites. Other improvements included additional restrooms and concession facilities.
The first phase entailed filling in the panels beyond the north and south end zones with bench seating and the reconfiguration of the seating on the stadium’s east side. The second phase, completed prior to the 1992 season, featured the addition of the sky suites, each of which includes seating for 20, among other amenities. At its present state, chair seating is available for more than 5,000 spectators on the west side of the stadium between the 18-yard lines to accommodate the contributors of the $7 million. There are also 4,240 chair-back seats on the east side and the rest of the stadium seating is on aluminum benches.
In the summer of 2011, Bulldog Stadium moved away from its natural grass field and installed FieldTurf. Renovations continued with a new high-definition video and ribbon board in the north end zone before the start of the 2015 season and new fencing was added before the start of the 2016 season.
During the summer of 2019, Bulldog Stadium underwent additional improvements 11, including upgrades to the electrical infrastructure, a new playing surface and stadium lights.
The playing surface, AstroTurf, is a new synthetic turf system that is built to help regulate field temperature and keep the surface closer to ambient air temperature. The lighting, provided by Musco, is an LED system, designed to be more energy efficient. Bulldog Stadium also saw the addition of four new light poles installed in each corner of the facility to increase the lighting of both end zones.
On July 13, 2022, Bulldog Stadium was renamed Valley Children's Stadium.
On Nov. 25, 1980, the first game was played at Bulldog Stadium, uniquely closing the season after playing their first five home games at Ratcliffe Stadium. Fresno State defeated Montana State 21-14 in the season finale. The first full season began in 1981, starting with a 23-16 win over Oregon on Sept. 5.
Bulldog Stadium was also home to the California Raisin Bowl from 1981-91. Fresno State played in the game five times, winning the title on four occasions. In 1994, the Stadium hosted friendly matches prior to the FIFA World Cup.
First Game: Nov. 15, 1980; vs. Montana State (W, 21-14)
Capacity: 40,727
All-Time Record: 187-61-2; 41 Full Seasons (42 seasons total)
Surface: AstroTurf
Highest Attended Game: 42,881 (5x)
40,000+ Games: 34
Last 40,000+ Game: Nov. 6, 2021 vs Boise State (41,031)
• Take State Route 99 south to the Shaw Ave. exit. Turn left on Shaw Ave.
• Travel east on Shaw to Cedar Ave. (approx. 15 miles).
• Turn left on Cedar, then left on Bulldog Lane. Proceed less than one block to Gate 10.
FROM THE SOUTH:
• Take State Route 99 north to Freeway 41 (north -- they merge just past Jensen Ave.)
• Proceed to the Shaw Ave. exit, and travel east on Shaw to Cedar Ave. (approx. 3 miles)
• Turn left on Cedar, then left on Bulldog Lane. Proceed less than one block to Gate 10.
FROM THE FRESNO AIR TERMINAL:
• Exit the airport parking lot, turning right at the signal.
• Follow the curve (Clinton Ave.) to Cedar Ave.
•Turn right on Cedar. Proceed approximately five miles to Bulldog Lane. Turn left and proceed less than one block to Gate 10.
Bulldog Stadium Overall Record (42 Yrs, 41 Full Seasons): 187-61-2
Year-by-Year Record (Avg. Attendance): 1980, 1-0 (25,684); 1981, 2-3 (21,458); 1982, 8-0 (24,861); 1983, 3-4 (26,414); 1984, 4-2 (29,223); 1985, 6-0-1 (31,992); 1986, 8-0 (33,573); 1987, 5-1 (33,568); 1988, 6-0 (33,371); 1989, 8-0 (33,788); 1990, 6-0-1 (32,881); 1991, 6-1 (34,039); 1992, 5-1 (35,225); 1993, 6-0 (39,536); 1994, 3-4 (36,171); 1995, 4-2 (33,499); 1996, 3-3 (37,373); 1997, 4-2 (34,262); 1998, 4-1 (37,102); 1999, 6-0 (37,231); 2000, 5-0 (41,369); 2001, 5-1 (42,802); 2002, 5-1 (39,133); 2003, 5-1 (38,603); 2004, 4-1 (39,777); 2005, 5-1 (39,306); 2006, 3-3 (38,552); 2007, 5-1 (36,290); 2008, 2-3 (37,864); 2009, 4-1 (33,578); 2010, 5-2 (34,120); 2011, 2-4 (29,298); 2012, 6-0 (30,915); 2013, 7-0 (36,917); 2014, 4-2 (34,876); 2015, 2-4 (29,036); 2016, 1-5 (25,493); 2017, 5-1 (30,632); 2018, 6-0 (31,503); 2019, 2-4 (31,552); 2020, 3-3 (*0*); 2021, 5-1 (33,386)
Valley Children's Stadium is the home of the Fresno State football team.
The stadium first opened in 1980 for that year’s season finale on Nov. 15 as Bulldog Stadium, which remained its name until July 2022.
As the new home of Bulldog Football to kick off the 1981 season, the Bulldogs’ 2022 campaign will mark the 41st full season of football at the corner of Cedar and Barstow.
The 40,727-seat facility has established itself as one of the most difficult places to play for visiting teams. A claim staked on having the 20th-best home stadium winning percentage among all FBS football teams at the conclusion of last season.
Fresno State has found great success in its home facility, owning a record of 187-61-2, a winning percentage of nearly 75 percent. Since the turn of the century, the ‘Dogs have posted an 89-37 home record, which has been aided by four undefeated seasons at home in that stretch.
Some of the memorable home victories at Bulldog Stadium include winning back-to-back Mountain West Championships on its home field in 2012 and 2013. The 2013 edition was the inaugural Mountain West Championship game, led by the dynamic offensive duo of Derek Carr and Davante Adams, against Utah State.
Other notable games include a 44-24 win over No. 10 Oregon State in 2001 - the highest ranked opponent Fresno State has defeated. The 2017 season was capped by Fresno State defeating No. 23 Boise State, 28-17, and the Bulldogs rode that momentum into 2018 compiling an 11-1 record at home over the 2017-18 seasons.
Fresno State has been able to bring in some of the nation’s top teams to Bulldog Stadium over the years. Included on that list are Baylor, BYU, Cal, Cincinnati, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Oregon, Oregon State (twice), Rutgers and Wisconsin. Looking ahead to more nonconference foes, the ‘Dogs will welcome Oregon State (Pac-12) in 2022, Washington State in 2027 (Pac-12) and both Texas Tech (Big 12) in 2029 and Kansas (Big 12) in 2030.
The Red Wave has packed Bulldog Stadium to its limit countless times over the years. In 2000, the Bulldogs set a new single-season attendance record when they averaged 42,410 fans, the 22nd-best mark in the nation. The following season, in which Fresno State achieved a program-record national ranking of No. 8, was even better. The Bulldogs set another record by averaging 42,802 fans, including stadium single-game records of 42,881 in each of the last five contests of that year. In all, Fresno State has played 34 games in the stadium with 40,000 or more fans in the stands.
Original construction of Bulldog Stadium began in June of 1979, following what was then the most successful capital fundraising project ever undertaken in the San Joaquin Valley. Local residents raised in excess of $7 million for the project. No state tax dollars or student fees were used to build the stadium.
Built partially below ground level with the playing field 37 feet below grade, the bowl features a low profile appearance. A unique cantilevered lighting system extends toward the field and is directed downward to concentrate lighting on the playing surface.
Bulldog Stadium underwent a two-phase expansion project in 1991, which included the addition of more than 10,000 seats -- increasing the stadium’s capacity from 30,000 to more than 40,000 -- and the construction of 22 sky suites. Other improvements included additional restrooms and concession facilities.
The first phase entailed filling in the panels beyond the north and south end zones with bench seating and the reconfiguration of the seating on the stadium’s east side. The second phase, completed prior to the 1992 season, featured the addition of the sky suites, each of which includes seating for 20, among other amenities. At its present state, chair seating is available for more than 5,000 spectators on the west side of the stadium between the 18-yard lines to accommodate the contributors of the $7 million. There are also 4,240 chair-back seats on the east side and the rest of the stadium seating is on aluminum benches.
In the summer of 2011, Bulldog Stadium moved away from its natural grass field and installed FieldTurf. Renovations continued with a new high-definition video and ribbon board in the north end zone before the start of the 2015 season and new fencing was added before the start of the 2016 season.
During the summer of 2019, Bulldog Stadium underwent additional improvements 11, including upgrades to the electrical infrastructure, a new playing surface and stadium lights.
The playing surface, AstroTurf, is a new synthetic turf system that is built to help regulate field temperature and keep the surface closer to ambient air temperature. The lighting, provided by Musco, is an LED system, designed to be more energy efficient. Bulldog Stadium also saw the addition of four new light poles installed in each corner of the facility to increase the lighting of both end zones.
On July 13, 2022, Bulldog Stadium was renamed Valley Children's Stadium.
On Nov. 25, 1980, the first game was played at Bulldog Stadium, uniquely closing the season after playing their first five home games at Ratcliffe Stadium. Fresno State defeated Montana State 21-14 in the season finale. The first full season began in 1981, starting with a 23-16 win over Oregon on Sept. 5.
Bulldog Stadium was also home to the California Raisin Bowl from 1981-91. Fresno State played in the game five times, winning the title on four occasions. In 1994, the Stadium hosted friendly matches prior to the FIFA World Cup.
Valley Children's Stadium Quick Facts
Entering 2022 SeasonFirst Game: Nov. 15, 1980; vs. Montana State (W, 21-14)
Capacity: 40,727
All-Time Record: 187-61-2; 41 Full Seasons (42 seasons total)
Surface: AstroTurf
Highest Attended Game: 42,881 (5x)
40,000+ Games: 34
Last 40,000+ Game: Nov. 6, 2021 vs Boise State (41,031)
Directions to Valley Children's Stadium
FROM THE NORTH:• Take State Route 99 south to the Shaw Ave. exit. Turn left on Shaw Ave.
• Travel east on Shaw to Cedar Ave. (approx. 15 miles).
• Turn left on Cedar, then left on Bulldog Lane. Proceed less than one block to Gate 10.
FROM THE SOUTH:
• Take State Route 99 north to Freeway 41 (north -- they merge just past Jensen Ave.)
• Proceed to the Shaw Ave. exit, and travel east on Shaw to Cedar Ave. (approx. 3 miles)
• Turn left on Cedar, then left on Bulldog Lane. Proceed less than one block to Gate 10.
FROM THE FRESNO AIR TERMINAL:
• Exit the airport parking lot, turning right at the signal.
• Follow the curve (Clinton Ave.) to Cedar Ave.
•Turn right on Cedar. Proceed approximately five miles to Bulldog Lane. Turn left and proceed less than one block to Gate 10.
| Bulldog Football Home Winning Streaks | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Streak | Started | Ended | ||||
| 20 games | 10/31/87 def. UNLV, 45-10 |
10/13/90 tied Utah St., 24-24. |
||||
| 17 games | 10/3/98 def. BYU, 31-21 |
10/19/01 Boise St. def. FS 35-30 |
||||
| 15 games | 10/12/85 def. SJSU 37-17 |
10/17/87 SJSU def. FS 20-16 |
||||
| 13 games | 9/3/12 def. Weber St. 37-10 |
9/13/15 No. 21 Nebraska def. FS 55-19 |
||||
| Ranked Opponents to Play in Bulldog Stadium | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Team | Result | ||||
| Oct. 8, 1994 | No. 22 BYU | BYU 32, Fresno St. 30 | ||||
| Nov. 19, 1994 | No. 10 Colorado St. | Colorado St. 44, Fresno St. 42 | ||||
| Sept. 2, 2001 | No. 10 Oregon St. | Fresno St. 44, Oregon St. 24 | ||||
| Nov. 21, 2003 | No. 20 Boise St. | Boise St. 31, Fresno St. 17 | ||||
| Sept. 9, 2006 | No. 20 Oregon | Oregon 31, Fresno St. 24 | ||||
| Sept. 13, 2008 | No. 10 Wisconsin | Wisconsin 13, Fresno St. 10 | ||||
| Sept. 18, 2009 | No. 8 Boise St. | Boise St. 51, Fresno St. 34 | ||||
| Nov. 14, 2010 | No. 21 Nevada | Nevada 35, Fresno St. 34 | ||||
| Oct. 7, 2011 | No. 5 Boise St. | Boise St. 57, Fresno St. 7 | ||||
| Sept. 13, 2014 | No. 21 Nebraska | Nebraska 55, Fresno St. 19 | ||||
| Sept. 19, 2015 | No. 21 Utah | Utah 45, Fresno St. 24 | ||||
| Nov. 25, 2017 | No. 23 Boise St. | Fresno St. 28, Boise St. 17 | ||||
Bulldog Stadium Overall Record (42 Yrs, 41 Full Seasons): 187-61-2
Year-by-Year Record (Avg. Attendance): 1980, 1-0 (25,684); 1981, 2-3 (21,458); 1982, 8-0 (24,861); 1983, 3-4 (26,414); 1984, 4-2 (29,223); 1985, 6-0-1 (31,992); 1986, 8-0 (33,573); 1987, 5-1 (33,568); 1988, 6-0 (33,371); 1989, 8-0 (33,788); 1990, 6-0-1 (32,881); 1991, 6-1 (34,039); 1992, 5-1 (35,225); 1993, 6-0 (39,536); 1994, 3-4 (36,171); 1995, 4-2 (33,499); 1996, 3-3 (37,373); 1997, 4-2 (34,262); 1998, 4-1 (37,102); 1999, 6-0 (37,231); 2000, 5-0 (41,369); 2001, 5-1 (42,802); 2002, 5-1 (39,133); 2003, 5-1 (38,603); 2004, 4-1 (39,777); 2005, 5-1 (39,306); 2006, 3-3 (38,552); 2007, 5-1 (36,290); 2008, 2-3 (37,864); 2009, 4-1 (33,578); 2010, 5-2 (34,120); 2011, 2-4 (29,298); 2012, 6-0 (30,915); 2013, 7-0 (36,917); 2014, 4-2 (34,876); 2015, 2-4 (29,036); 2016, 1-5 (25,493); 2017, 5-1 (30,632); 2018, 6-0 (31,503); 2019, 2-4 (31,552); 2020, 3-3 (*0*); 2021, 5-1 (33,386)
Post-Game Press Conference [9/13]
Sunday, September 14
Instant Highlights: Fresno State 56, Southern 7
Saturday, September 13
FB heroes night hype video
Friday, September 12
FB Media Availability [9/9]: Ezekiel Avit, Jadon Pearson, Tim Thomas
Tuesday, September 09
