Fresno State and San Diego State have been going at it on the gridiron since 1923 when San Diego State took down the Bulldogs 12-2. The series has been off and on between these two schools as they have been in and out of the same conference several times. The Oil Can trophy was added to the series in 2011 and allows one team to have major bragging rights over the other. The Battle for the Oil Can is one of Fresno State’s biggest games of the year, so make sure to be in attendance when the Bulldogs battle the Aztecs for the Oil Can.
San Jose State is Fresno State's oldest rival with matchups between these two teams dating back to 1921. The Spartans had led the all-time series for much of the rivalry, however, in 2002 the Bulldogs tied the series up at 32 wins a piece. Since then the Bulldogs have gone on to take a 40-36-3 all-time series lead.
Boise State and Fresno state have a long standing rivalry that goes back to when both of these schools were members of the WAC. Today when these two teams bud heads the winner receives the Milk Can in addition to bragging rights over their rival. Boise State leads the all-time series 13-5, but the Bulldogs will look to narrow that gap when these two teams meet next.
The rivalry between Fresno State and Hawaii is a fairly new one. However, there seems to be a lot of bad blood here especially among the fans. Both teams have performed well on the field lately, and there have been several incidents of coaches and fans accusing the other team of bad sportsmanship.
Bulldogs Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Fresno State offers one of the more impressive tailgate experiences in the Mountain West or any conference outside of the Power 5. The tailgate here extends for several blocks around the stadium and is one of the larger ones in the Mountain West.
You’ll find the fans here preparing a variety of tailgate foods including chimichangas and sausages. There is a California spin on the tailgate cuisine here, so come prepared to experience something a bit different if you’re from the Midwest or South.
You’ll also see performances by the band and pep squad at the tailgate here as well. These performances get the fans into the game day spirit, and members of both squads can be seen walking throughout the tailgate during the pregame festivities.
One of the most unique things about tailgating at Fresno State is that they have their own winery. You can tour the winery, and they even have their tailgate wine called Tailgate Red. If you’re looking for something different to do on game day, then feel free to take a tour of the Fresno State Winery and make sure to pick up a bottle of Tailgate Red to enjoy at your next game.
One of the most unique things about tailgating at Fresno State is that they have their own winery. You can tour the winery, and they even have their tailgate wine called Tailgate Red. If you’re looking for something different to do on game day, then feel free to take a tour of the Fresno State Winery and make sure to pick up a bottle of Tailgate Red to enjoy at your next game.
The Fresno State cheer squad and band put on an outstanding pep rally that will surely get you in the game day spirit. Arrive early so you can take in this incredible spectacle.
The Victory Valley tailgate area is open to those 21 and up and offers alcohol as well as food from local food trucks and vendors. If you’re looking to grab a quick beer then stop on by Victory Valley for a chance to wet your whistle.
White LotIf you’re looking to kick back, have a few beers, and grill some burgers and hotdogs then there is no better place to do so than the White Lot. All you have to do is set up your tent, grill, table, and chairs and you’ll be all set to have a great game day at Fresno State.
Toyota DriveAt Toyota Drive you’ll find food trucks, remote controlled race cars, and activities for the whole family. Toyota Drive is a great destination for those of you tailgating with your kids and families, so make sure to stop on by for some interactive activities.
Victory ValleyThe Victory Valley tailgate area is open to those 21 and up and offers alcohol as well as food from local food trucks and vendors. If you’re looking to grab a quick beer then stop on by Victory Valley for a chance to wet your whistle.
Bulldogs Stadium Guide
In Game
On game days Valley Children’s Stadium is a sea of red as the fans here make up what is known as the Red Wave. The name came from a local reporter who commented on how the crowd looked like a “red wave” because of how they moved about during the game. You’ll feel like you’re a part of something special when in the crowd at a Fresno State Bulldogs game.
If you want to come when the atmosphere is at its best, then try and come to Fresno when the Bulldogs are taking on their archrival San Jose State. Although recently Boise State has emerged as a marquee matchup as well. The crowd is rocking during these rivalry games, so come prepared to cheer hard and loud if you have the opportunity to attend one of these games.
The design of Valley Children’s Stadium also makes it an excellent place to take in a football game. The steeper slope of the bowl places the fans close to the field and gives you the feeling you are on top of the action. Not only does this intimate atmosphere give you a great view of the game, but it also contributes to creating a loud venue that is very intimidating for opposing players.
The end zones at Valley Children's Stadium use a red and white checkerboard pattern similar to the one at Neyland Stadium. The checkerboard pattern looks crisp in the end zone and gives off the feeling that you’re at one of the biggest venues in the country.
Bulldogs fans are known as the Red Wave as all throughout the stands you’ll see a sea of red. Everyone comes to the Fresno State in red, so make sure to join in this great tradition to provide the Bulldogs the best home field advantage possible.
The green V on the back of Fresno State helmets represents the fact the Bulldogs are from the Valley. The San Joaquin Valley is known for being the world’s richest agricultural area regarding export dollars, so the green V is a great way for the Bulldogs to show off local pride.
The Bulldogs Marching Band performs at every Fresno State home game and puts on an excellent show. The band also plays a major role in pumping up the crowd and igniting crowd noise throughout the game.
Timeout is the official mascot of the Fresno State Bulldogs. The costumed mascot was introduced in 1981 to replace a live bulldog. One of Timeout’s most famous routines is pretending to fight opposing team mascots.
Fight Songs
Fresno State Fight Song
Fight Varsity On your toes dig in and hit that line! We’re all pulling hard for you So fight and give the best there is in you Fight Varsity On your toes dig in and hit that line! We’ll fight on to victory We’re always true to Fresno State! (CHANT) B-U-L-L-D-O-G-S GO DOGS GO! FIGHT DOGS FIGHT! “GOOO DOGS!” (Repeat First 2 Verses)
Alma Mater
Sung after games
Let us in song, our voices raise In cloistered courts, to sound thy praise. Each Voice and heart that sings is true To thee, oh, Cardinal and Blue. For thee, our hopes and memories; For thee, our hearts and loyalties. Thy sons and daughters hail thee great, Our Alma Mater, Fresno State!
Bulldogs Spirit
I got that Bulldog Spirit up in my head, up in my head, up in my head I got that Bulldog Spirit, up in my head, up in my head to stay.
I got that Bulldog Spirit deep in my heart, deep in my heart, deep in my heart I got that Bulldog Spirit, deep in my heart, deep in my heart to stay.
I got that Bulldog Spirit down in my toes, down in my toes, down in my toes I got that Bulldog Spirit, down in my toes, down in my toes to stay.
I got that Bulldog Spirit up in my head, deep in my heart, down in my toes I got that Bulldog Spirit, all over me, all over me to stay!!!!
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