Bulldogs Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Jeff Tedford

Team Mascot: Timeout

Year Opened: 1980

Capacity: 40727

City / State: Fresno / California

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Battle for the Oil Can

Rival Team: San Diego State Aztecs

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.

Fresno State vs San Jose State

Rival Team: San Jose State Spartans

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.

Milk Can

Rival Team: Boise State Broncos

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.

Fresno State vs Hawaii

Rival Team: Hawaii Warriors

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.

Traditions

Fresno State Winery

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.

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Pep Rally

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.

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Tailgate Red

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.

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Where to tailgate

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.

Things to check out

Checkboard Endzone

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.

Victory E. Bulldog

Victory E. Bulldog is the live bulldog mascot for Fresno State. He makes halftime appearances and amps up the crowd every time he shows up.

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Red Wave

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.

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Green V

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.

Bulldogs Marching Band

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.

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Timeout

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

  1. 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)

  2. 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!

  3. 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!!!!

Bulldogs Bars & Restaurants

  1. CREAM

    CREAM

    CREAM, which stands for ‘Cookies Rule Everything Around Me’, serves handcrafted & warm ice cream sandwiches and many more creations!

    1760 E Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA 93710, USA

    408-320-1519

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  2. The Next Bar

    Big Shooters Clubhouse Sports Bar Billiards

    A cool dive bar with great food and drinks!

    4231 E Shields Ave, Fresno, CA 93726, USA

    559-228-8001

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Red Wave Inn

    Red Wave Inn beer

    Amazingly delicious food and a fantastic list of drinks!

    2369-2377 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93710, USA

    559-228-8446

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  4. Mad Duck Craft and Brewery

    Mad Duck Craft and Brewery beer

    Mad Duck Craft is a local Brewpub dedicated to small batch craft beers, fresh farm to table California cuisine, and fast and relaxed and friendly service!

    3085 E Campus Pointe Dr, Fresno, CA 93710, USA

    559-325-3825

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. The MacDonnell Deli and Grill

    The MacDonnell Deli and Grill

    Freshly-prepared food at the most affordable price.

    1320 E Shaw Ave #111, Fresno, CA 93710, USA

    559-974-2483

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $

  6. Tacos Marquitos

    Tacos Marquitos

    Authentic and absolutely delicious Mexican food that you will definitely love!

    1772 E Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA 93710, USA

    559-447-5569

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  7. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

    Flemings Prime Steakhouse Wine Bar

    At Fleming’s, every visit is filled with indulgent possibilities. Experience our passion for steak and wine, served with inspired hospitality.

    639 E Shaw Ave #149, Fresno, CA 93710, USA

    559-222-5823

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  8. Bulldog Burger & Bistro

    Bulldog Burger and Bistro

    We are not just another burger place, we are proud to offer the highest quality food with fresh ingredients.

    1782 E Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA 93710, USA

    559-492-2420

    Bar website

    american - $