Fresno State Official Athletic Site

The Fan Experience Takes Center Stage

The return of fireworks, upgraded food options, location enhancements and fan-centered promotions highlight a mission to elevate the Bulldog fan experience.

The Fresno State marching band will sport new uniforms during this fall's home football games.

Aug. 30, 2009

FRESNO, Calif. - With the clock ticking away toward a "Football Fiesta" kickoff against UC Davis on Sept. 5, the Red Wave can expect the fan experience to reach an amped up level of excitement and passion during this fall's home football games.

"This is a season when we have some wonderful opportunities to celebrate our fans," Associate Athletics Director for Broadcasting and External Relations Paul Ladwig said. "We are committed to continuing to give our Red Wave the best experience possible with revamping some old favorites and bringing a fresh feel to gameday."

The most explosive and visual aspect back in Bulldog Stadium is the return of fireworks as head coach Pat Hill and his Dogs enter the field, the band plays the national anthem and the Bulldogs light up the scoreboard with touchdowns in their checkerboard endzones.

One of the tastiest upgrades will be found throughout the concourse level as Fresno State is partnering with local businessman Jim Pardini for an exciting new menu and slate of vendors.

The highlights of the food options include:

Dog House Grill selling tri-tip sandwiches behind the East stands

Rally's will be in the Northeast corner of Bulldog Stadium lot selling cheeseburgers, double cheeseburgers, chicken strips with fries, and drinks

Guadalajara's will be in the North endzone selling street tacos, burritos and nachos along with beverages

14-inch freshly baked Di Cicco's Pizzas will be available for $4 a slice or $13 for the whole pie

Quarter-pound Wienerschnitzel hotdogs will be on a seven inch hot dog roll from Max's Artisan Bread

Quarter-pound Silva's polish dog at every concession stand

Seven Haagen Dazs ice cream carts with Dibbs, Haagan Dazs bars and frozen lemonade cups

At the Southeast corner of the stadium, meatball sandwiches and half-pound Bulldog hotdogs along with beverages will be sold

10 water stations throughout the stadium selling water

If the weather cools, the 10 water stations will turn into hot chocolate and coffee stations

With the construction of the new soccer and lacrosse stadium, Bulldog Boulevard can now be found just east of Beiden Field in the Red Lot near the corner of Bulldog Lane and Cedar Avenue. Victor E. Bulldog is pumped to start his fourth year as Fresno State's living mascot and shred any opponent who enters his Doghouse on gameday.

"TimeOut, Victor E. and Bulldog fans have loved playing in Bulldog Boulevard since we created the pregame hotspot," Ladwig added. "We feel the new location adds visibility and continues providing a family-focused area for our Red Wave."

In keeping with tradition, the Bulldogs will stay on the west sideline this football season.

The family fun atmosphere will also be present in Bulldog Stadium where lucky fans will compete for free Grand Occasion meals, Red Carpet car washes, a Roger Jewlers' $500 gift card and other in-game contests.

The proud and loud Bulldog Marching Band are set to sport new uniforms, designed by Stanbury, for the 2009 season, which has Director of Bands Tim Anderson thrilled for the sharp new look of the nationally acclaimed group.

"The uniforms incorporate many of the Fresno State logos, such as the four-paw dog and the Green V, in order to heighten University recognizability," Anderson said. "The Band will also be moving to Section 38 to help spread Bulldog spirit to the student section. We added a new dance and pom line to bring even more flair and color to our performances."

In an on-going initiative to efficiently conserve resources, the gates will open 90 minutes instead of two hours before kickoff.

"The reason for changing the gate opening time is purely a cost-saving venture but makes sense from a service standpoint also as on average less than 1% of our fans entered the stadium during the first 30 minutes the gates were open," Director of Events Nate Wills said. "The length of time it takes for one of our patrons to get through our gates will not be adversely affected by this change."

The excitement is resonating throughout the air in Fresno as the Dogs prepare for their run at a 2009 WAC title and the Red Wave has even more reasons to come out and celebrate the Pride of the Valley this fall.

"We Are Your Team" - The `Dogs will be starting their 2009 Football season off right with Football Fiesta Night on Saturday, September 5th at 7pm when the UC Davis Aggies come to town. Football Fiesta Family Pack tickets are available now. To inquire about the Football Fiesta Family Pack, contact the Bulldog Ticket Office at 559-278-DOGS.

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