Fresno State Athletics
Red Wave Flocks South For a Winner
9/24/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 24, 2010
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Several large groups of Bulldog fans followed the team for their game at Ole Miss on Saturday. One of the groups gathering in Memphis is part of the Bulldog Foundation organized fan trip, which includes 39 Valley residents.
The Bulldog followers departed Fresno Yosemite International Thursday and Friday morning for Memphis, and namely, the historic Peabody Hotel, the oldest downtown site and the home to the Peabody ducks. Fans come not only as supporters of the Dogs, but also as sight seekers to experience all that the area has to offer from the spirit of Beale Street to Graceland, and the Memphis riverfront.
Memphis is also known for being the home of corporate headquarters of AutoZone, Federal Express, and a major shipping port on the Mississippi River. Memphis is just a few miles from the Mississippi state line and 75 miles from Oxford, where the Bulldogs will play the Mississippi Rebels at 6:30 p.m. CT at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Oxford, Mississippi, home to Ole Miss, is that of a charming, southern town, quaint town surrounding the established traditions of football in the south. Fans not only look forward to sharing in the excitement of cheering on the Dogs in their furthest road game traveled this year, but also to share in and bring the excitement of Fresno State to a region that has been unseen by the Valley in years.
"We partnered with Premier Global Sports," said Fresno State Interim Associate Athletic Director for Development Coleman Barnes. "We worked together to put on this great reception tonight at the Peabody and tomorrow we will tailgate 50 yards away from "The Grove." And one of the things they wanted to arrange was to have to our donors and fans come out here and arrange hotels and travel. Ever since I have been at Fresno State this game has been on this schedule. Ole Miss is a phenomenal place to visit and everyone is very friendly and welcoming. Before and afterward we can go and enjoy "The Grove," and we will truly enjoy this experience and we look forward to our next meeting in five years."
And with the premonition of the big match-up just a day's wait away, family members and fans alike are soaking it all in.
Senior quarterback Ryan Colburn's gang of supporters swarmed the Peabody Hotel Friday night showcasing their pride for the Red Wave by sporting red, flat caps purchased at the hotel gift shop. The group of family members and friends behind Colburn and the Dogs became common fixtures in the lobby and the area.
The Grove is known for its touch of class, which is exemplified by its sterling silver, chandeliers, doilies and silver plated candelabras. Fresno State fans will get to experience this ranked tailgating location along with the cheer squad and Bulldog mascot Time Out.
Saturday's game can be viewed live in Fresno by Comcast Sports Southeast/ESPN Game plan/ESPN 3 by tuning into Comcast channel 34/HD721, Dish 409 and Direct 698/HD698-1.
