Bulldog Pride shines during Fresno State’s Homecoming Week
Fresno State’s campus is buzzing with energy this week as students, staff, and alumni come together to celebrate homecoming. From kick-off events and giveaways to painting that leads up to the annual homecoming football game on Saturday, the Bulldogs are showing what it means to have genuine Red Wave pride.
Alyssa Saldivar, Marketing & Communications Coordinator for Student Involvement, says homecoming is more than just a fun week of festivities. It’s about reconnecting with Fresno State’s roots.
“Homecoming is an important tradition in Fresno State, not only just for the event having fun, but also to bring it back to tradition and of course, representing Bulldog pride here at Fresno State,” Saldivar said.
At Monday’s Fired Up by the Fountain kick-off event, students gathered by the Kennel Bookstore to grab free T-shirts, stickers, and beads. Students also enjoyed music and danced alongside both Timeout, the costumed bulldog mascot, and Victor E. himself. The event truly set the tone for a week full of spirit and pride for the campus.
Saldivar says she’s seen the school’s spirit grow even stronger year after year as more people get involved.
“Seeing that transition over the years has definitely grown, not only through promotions from the marketing side, but along with the students coming together, having staff being all together as well, and of course, alumni as well.” she said.
For many students, this week is also a much needed break in the middle of a busy semester.
Amy Hernandez, a senior Recreation major, says Homecoming has always been one of her favorite times of the year.
“Homecoming week is the funnest week of the semester in my opinion,” Hernandez said. “It’s this big celebration of what Fresno State is all about. People are happy to be here. Fresno State people love Fresno State and people love showing that.”
Hernandez says the week also brings a sense of encouragement and unity during the stressful midterm season.
“Sometimes people feel stressed out or tired,” she said. “Having these events kind of makes people feel a little more energetic. It’s like a little pick-me-up that keeps the Bulldog pride going.”
For both students and staff, Homecoming Week is about more than events. It’s about belonging.
“What I hope our students take from Homecoming Week is just to share that Bulldog pride,” Saldivar said. “Whether it’s wearing your T-shirts, showing school spirit, or coming together for the homecoming game at the end of the week — it’s about being Bulldogs all together.”
Upcoming Homecoming Events
Homecoming celebrations will continue and lead up to Saturday’s football game. To view the entire Homecoming schedule, visit Fresno State’s Homecoming website, and also feel free to visit Fresno State’s Homecoming Instagram page.
Festivities wrap up on Saturday, October 26, with the Homecoming Blackout Football Game at 12:30 p.m. at Valley Children’s Stadium, where fans are encouraged to wear black as the Bulldogs take on San Diego State.