Fresno State Athletics
Countdown To Kickoff
8/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 30, 2006
Fresno, Calif. - When the Fresno State football team takes the field Friday night for the 2006 season opening game against Nevada, Bulldog football fans will experience the best entertainment available to college football fans.
Here's a synopsis of some of the changes and exciting new amenities for the upcoming football season.
Bulldog Boulevard
The most exciting new entertainment package for Bulldog fans is the new Bulldog Boulevard. Located in the Red Lot, just east of Bulldog Stadium, Bulldog Boulevard is 42,500 square feet of tailgating fun for fans of all ages. Live music, various food and beverage vendors, interactive games for children, video games on big television screens, and lots of Bulldog football talk will get every fan ready for the big game. Admission to Bulldog Boulevard is free and alcohol is not permitted.
Victor E. Bulldog
The newest member of the Bulldog family is Victor E. Bulldog, who will make his debut Friday night. Victor E., a 2-year old English Bulldog, will accompany the Fresno State spirit squad during all home games. Also joining the Fresno State spirit squad on the field will be a new ¡§yell leader¡¨ on a wireless microphone who will enhance the game day fan experience.
Alcohol Sales Reminder
Beginning in the fall of 2006, Fresno State Athletics will not longer sell or permit alcohol in the Bulldog Stadium seating areas. Anyone caught with alcohol in the stadium may be subject to eviction.
Student Seating
The Fresno State student section, considered the envy of other WAC schools, adds great game day enthusiasm to Bulldog Stadium. Fresno State students are seated in sections 36, 37 and 38. This section is also the home of the ¡§Red Zone¡¨ student spirit group. Season and single game student tickets and student guest tickets are available at the USU Student Union and the Bulldog Ticket Office.
Premium Seating
New premium seats are available for purchase in the field level section below the red seats on the east side of Bulldog Stadium. Each seat comes with a comfortable padded chair-back seat and is located in between the two 35 yard lines. For information about obtaining seats in this section, contact the Bulldog Foundation Office at (559) 278-7160.
Video Entertainment Center
The installation of a new electronic entertainment center, which will include a larger video screen and digital adverting panels, is underway in Bulldog Stadium. The project, spearheaded by Fresno State's multimedia rights partner Learfield Communications (DBA Bulldog Sports Properties), will provide Bulldog fans with a 24' x 32' video screen and new auxiliary scoreboard at the north end of the stadium. Construction has also begun for a large video marquee message center located on the corner of Cedar and Barstow, directly across the street from the Bulldog Shop. Both systems will have state of the art LED message and video boards. The new video board will be larger than the previous portable video screen (16' x 22') that was located in the northeast corner of the stadium and will be one of the largest video screens in a collegiate venue on the west coast. The new scoreboard and video board systems will be built into a stylish archway that will be constructed above the north end zone entrance to Bulldog Stadium. It is expected to be completed by the Sept. 30 game vs. Colorado State.
Instant Replay
Something new to WAC football beginning this season is the use of instant replay by the game officials. An instant replay official in the press box will be monitoring the game and has the authority to change or overturn certain calls on the field by using the video evidence at his disposal. The instant replay official will be using video only from the television production, which may be different than what fans see on the in-stadium video screen. Not all plays or officials calls on the field are eligible for instant replay review.
Game Timing
A new game timing protocol has been adopted by the NCAA beginning this season. A few of the most notable changes include:
-- The clock will begin when the foot makes contact with the ball on kickoffs. (Previously the clock didn¡¦t start until a player touched the ball).
-- The clock will start on the officials ¡§ready for play¡¨ signal after every first down.
-- Field goal attempts will last not longer than 5 seconds.
College Colors Day
Establishing a new tradition in college football, Fresno State and Nevada will play in the inaugural College Colors Day Classic football game on September 1. The Classic, which will highlight the 83-year old rivalry between these two institutions, will cap off one of the nation¡¦s newest holidays ,,o College Colors Day. College Colors Day, created by The Collegiate Licensing Company and its Consortium of colleges and universities, coincides with ¡§back to school¡¨ and the kick-off of the college football season. College Colors Day seeks to celebrate and promote the traditions and spirit that drive collegiate athletics by encouraging fans, alumni and students from across the country to wear apparel of their favorite college throughout the day of September 1, 2006.
ESPN Brings Fresno State Football to the Nation
The Bulldogs will be making their 42nd national television appearance this decade on Friday night in the ESPN national game. It¡¦s the only nationally televised college football game that evening and a great national showcase for Fresno State and the Valley. Fresno State asks the Red Wave to be loud and proud for this nationally televised game.
Join the State - Fresno State! Get tickets online 24/7 at www.gobulldogs.com or by calling the Bulldog Ticket Office (559-278-DOGS), Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Ticket Office is located at the south entrance of the stadium off Bulldog Lane. Fresno State's 2006 home schedule- which kicks off Sept. 1 against Nevada- features opponents such as Oregon, Colorado State, Hawai'i, New Mexico State and Idaho.
