Gonzaga’s biggest rivals are fellow WCC members Saint Mary’s. The two teams have met twice a year since 1980, and both teams have consistently been among the best teams in the WCC over the last decade. There are more than just bragging rights on the line when Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s meet as every matchup between these two could decide who ends up conference champions. If you can only get to one Bulldogs basketball game, then make sure to get your tickets when the Gaels come to Spokane.
Spokane and Pullman are only 75 miles apart sparking an intense rivalry between Gonzaga and Washington State. The two schools first met in 1907 and have met annually since 2001, so make sure to be in attendance when the Bulldogs and Cougars meet.
The Bulldogs and Wildcats may not play regularly, but there is always a lot on the line when Gonzaga and Arizona square off. The teams may have only met eight times since 2000, but two of the games have been in the NCAA Tournament meaning you won’t want to miss it when the Bulldogs and Wildcats bud heads.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Stadium Guide
In Game
Gonzaga is one of the most successful mid-major programs in college hoops and is home to one of the best small school experiences in the sport as well. The Bulldogs successful run of 19 straight NCAA Tournament appearances has built an incredible fan base that goes all out support the team on game days. Everyone in the community gives it their all to cheer on the Zags and the student section is rocking at every game making a trip to Gonzaga an unforgettable experience.
The student section, or Kennel Club, is easily the best part of any Bulldogs basketball game. These rowdy fans arrive early and give opponents hell from before tip-off until the final buzzer. The Kennel Club never lies down, and even when the Zags are struggling, they’re right there to pick them up, which has helped Gonzaga achieve an impressive 117-14 record at the McCarthey Athletic Center.
It’s not just the fans that make attending a Bulldogs game a great experience you’ll also see lots of Bulldogs history around the arena. The concourse is filled with murals dedicated to the best players in Bulldogs men’s and women’s’ basketball history, and when you look above the court, you won’t be able to help but be awed by the number of banners hanging from the rafters.
Finally, take some time to explore the area near campus before or after the game. There are several bars worth checking out including Jack and Dan’s, which used to be owned by the father Gonzaga and Utah Jazz legend John Stockton. You’ll also find plenty of Gonzaga student favorites such as Club 1305, so take some time to stop by a few places after the game.
You’ll have an incredible time attending a Zags basketball game where the rowdy fans love for the Bulldogs creates an unforgettable experience that any college hoops fan will love.
Stop by the bronze bulldog statue outside the McCarthey Athletic Center and get a picture before the game. The statue presents an excellent photo op and is a must-see for anyone taking in a game at the MAC.
Around the concourse, you’ll find several murals dedicated to some of the best players in Zags history. The murals are a can’t miss for anyone attending their first game at the MAC, so make sure to check them out.
Take a minute before the game to see all of the banners hanging above the court. The Bulldogs have won an impressive number of conference championships over the years and last season made their first-ever trip to the Final Four, so take them all in before the game.
Spike the Bulldog has been the official mascot of Gonzaga since 1985 and is a can’t miss part of any Bulldogs basketball game. Zags fans love Spike, and he gets into all kinds of antics at games, so don’t miss him during your trip to Spokane.
The Kennel Club is home to the wildest and rowdiest Gonzaga fans. Gonzaga students live and die with their team. and their exceptional support of the Bulldogs has helped make the McCarthey Athletic Center one of the toughest places in the country for opponents to play. Enjoy the atmosphere created by the Kennel Club when attending a Gonzaga game.
Gonzaga leaves an empty chair at every event in honor of Rev. Tony Lehmann. Father Tony was a big part of the Gonzaga basketball program and could be seen on the end of the bench at every Bulldogs game, so look for the empty seat when attending a game at the McCarthey Athletic Center.
The Bulldog Band and GU Drumline provide the majority of the music at Zags games and are a major part of any Bulldogs game. The band keeps everyone’s spirits high throughout the game regardless of the score, although the Bulldogs usually come out on top at home.
The Gonzaga cheer team is one of the best parts of any Bulldogs basketball game. The cheerleaders keep everyone involved in the action and do a fantastic job of pumping up the crowd, so join in their cheers and chants to show your support for Gonzaga.
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