$1.5 million gift launches Bulldog Stadium campaign

FRESNO, Calif. - It was nearly one year ago to the day when Fresno State Director of Athletics Jim Bartko laid out the blueprint for a Bulldog Stadium renovation to transcend the 36-year-old facility.

Fresno State Athletics officially launched its fundraising campaign on Thursday night at a gathering of Bulldog supporters. It was there that Bartko was handed a lead gift of $1.5 million from a former student-athlete who wished to remain anonymous.

"It was a tremendous opportunity to bring together over 50 donors and Bulldog fans who came to understand more about the Bulldog Stadium Renovation Project," Bartko said of Thursday's gathering to launch the campaign. "The room had a remarkable energy and I know as we take this presentation up and down the Valley, we will have continued success like we did last night."

And thus, the plan that Bartko presented one summer ago has transitioned from a conceptual design into a project that is off the ground. Events like the one held Thursday evening will be taking place periodically in the foreseeable future.

Every aspect of this stadium renovation and fundraising campaign is bold.

Raise $40 million by October of 2017 - $20 million expected to come in from private donations and another $20 million from developing naming rights to the stadium.

The message to the group last night was that the proposed Bulldog Stadium expansion is a key component to the continued growth of Fresno State Athletics.

"A project this large can be daunting, but what I wanted to convey last night with our donors is that there are many creative and financial options for people to feel comfortable in making a philanthropic gift," said Mark Shuster of Shuster Financial Group, LLC. out of Los Angeles, who spoke to the group.

Shuster is a Fresno State alum, one of many in the room last night that has a passion to see Athletics doing its part to help the University and community grow.

"My passion for Fresno State runs deep and Thursday night's event outlining the Bulldog Stadium project and fundraising efforts makes me excited for Fresno State's future," said Chris Pacheco, co-owner of One Putt Broadcasting in Fresno and a Bulldog football letterman under Jim Sweeney in the mid-80s. "Being there to hear all the different ways the Red Wave can support this project and to watch a donor step up and present the lead gift towards this project was the culmination of a great evening."

The RFP went out this week to begin the process of selecting an architect for the project, which is another step forward in the project.

Bulldog Stadium Project Timeline Goals
- Summer 2016 (current) - The first phase of the stadium renovation is smaller in magnitude, a $300,000 upgrade to the existing perimeter fencing and branding that will enhance the visual appearance. That is currently underway in the Bulldog Stadium district.
- August, 2016 – Architect selected
- November, 2016 – Board of Trustees approve project concepts
- October, 2017 – Hit that $40 million fundraising target to get the project off the ground
- November, 2017 – Board of Trustees approve financing plan
- January, 2018 – Phase II construction begins (renovation of restrooms & concessions)
- January, 2019 – Phase III construction begins (seating bowl modifications made, new west side premium seating and press tower erected)
- Fall, 2019 - Renovated stadium opens
- January, 2020 – Phase IV begins based on fundraising (football facility constructed in south end zone)

The total project price tag as it stands is $60 million.

For interested parties looking at supporting the campaign or for questions about the project, please call the Bulldog Foundation at 559-278-7160.

Project Description and Goals
The proposed Bulldog Stadium Expansion is a key component to the continued growth of the Fresno State Athletics Department. This proposed $60 million state-of-the-art facility will transform the identity of Bulldog Stadium, improve spectator access to seating, and improve fan amenities throughout the stadium. The revised Bulldog Stadium will reflect the Fresno State brand while creating continued revenue streams for Fresno State Athletics.

The proposed improvements to the stadium will involve three fundamental areas. These include modifications to the stadium seating bowl and enhanced accessibility creation of a new multi-level structure West premium seating and press tower, and new fan amenity concourses located in each of the four corners of the stadium. A future team building is planned for the south end zone complimenting existing team amenities with new game day lockers, meeting facilities, and coach's offices.

About Fresno State
Fresno State Athletics features 21 sports with the addition of wrestling and women's water polo coming on for the 2017-18 academic year. Athletics play a key role within the educational mission to advance knowledge and develop individuals to drive our collective progress. Our commitment, through determined effort, dedicated teamwork, creativity, openness, honesty and integrity is to focus on the best interests of our student-athletes and of Fresno State. In preparing our student-athletes for future success at the highest level, we will hone leadership and character that transcends the arena of athletics to promote the greater good.

Fresno State Athletics

$1.5 million gift launches Bulldog Stadium campaign

Related News

Related Videos