Sept. 5, 2009

FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State fans got a taste of more than just traditional, hard-nosed pigskin Saturday night at Bulldog Stadium as Hispanic flavor and flair filled the air while the `Dogs took the field for their season home opener. The Red Wave came together for the inaugural "Football Fiesta Night," a celebration of the Hispanic heritage culture planned in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage month in September.

One of the largest Hispanic cultural on the Fresno State campus, Football Fiesta Night was created in collaboration with the Fresno Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Fresno State campus community, Univision 21, Lotus Communications, ESPN Deportes, along with advocates head football coach Pat Hill and Fresno State athletics to bring the Valley together to give fans a new, traditional Hispanic experience in the season kick-off throughout both pre-game festivities and within the confines of the stadium where millions of Bulldog supporters have congregated for decades .

"It's very special obviously to have this event," said German Amezcua, research director at Univision. "Having the University acknowledge the Hispanic community which is a huge percentage of the population here in Fresno is very important. It is something we are doing everyday to advertise and to acknowledge the power of the Hispanic community and we're doing that tonight against UC Davis."

As fans fled through the gates and opened up tailgates with the familiar game day smells of barbeque and snacks, they were given the opportunity to enjoy the tastes of the Hispanic culture, which included traditional rice, beans, meats and others themed items. Along with new dining options, game go-ers soaked up the sounds of live Mariachi Bands at Bulldog Boulevard, specially reduced priced tickets and packages, as well as a variety of cultured booths that appealed to all ages and interests.

And many fans took advantage of the evening's cultured merriment.

"We haven't missed a home game in ten years," said a local fan who sported an authentic, over-sized sombrero equipped with a Time Out mascot and red and silver streamers. "I think the event is great and it's something different and it gets other people involved in supporting Bulldog football."

But event planners took the event a step beyond new foods and music furthering the experience by incorporating Spanish broadcasts and announcements over the speakers throughout the game by Univision sports anchor William Bonilla, which is newer feature to visitors at Bulldog Stadium. In addition, ESPN Deportes broadcast the game's play-by-play on the radio in Spanish.

"We've taken broadcast to a new level with play by play announcements for Fresno State football," said O'Rorke. "The quality of our broadcast is a lot greater than last year."

The essence of Latin style continued throughout the entire duration of the game as the Bulldog marching band and dance team took the field at halftime to perform a complete musical routine to style music, further involving fans in the spirit of the night.

"We've been coming out to games for 14 years and I think tonight's event is great," said Fresno State alumnus and fan Kul Brar. "I am a graduate of Fresno State as so is my husband and we belong to the Bulldog foundation. Anytime we can fill the stadium I think that's great and if others don't experience they won't come back, so hopefully we can open it up to all families here in the Valley."

Compared to a similar event held at Beiden Field in 2004 when organizers aimed to generate interest and celebrate the Hispanic culture on campus, this year's Football Fiesta yielded a tremendous increase in turn out and participation that added a new twist to the excitement of season opening game. With this year's wide received support, we are sure to see similar showcased games in the future.