At noon each day, the “Bulldog Spirit” song has played at the University Student Union clock tower as a reminder: this week is Fresno State’s Homecoming.
Tonight, Homecoming Week will feature a pep rally at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot in front of Bulldog Stadium off Bulldog Lane and Cedar Avenue The free event will feature music from DJ Kay Rich and performances by Whiskey Row and the Fresno State Marching Band.
Rally goers can enjoy free food from a variety of food trucks, a mechanical bull-riding contest, games and the chance to meet student-athletes and coaches from Fresno State‘s football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and equestrian teams — as well as Fresno State football alumni.
The pep rally will also feature the announcement of the winners and finalists of this year’s Homecoming Court of Distinction.
Gerry Elizondo, assistant director in the Student Involvement Office, said the Court of Distinction is about highlighting the different symbols and icons that make up Fresno State. The “contestants,” which feature Rudy, a 12-year-old horse that is part of the equestrian team, and the Henry Madden Library’s Basket Weaving Lady, are all symbols of the university rather than students or faculty.
“We’re really kind of looking at traditions or events, icons across campus that really kind of embody what Fresno State is,” Elizondo said.
This year’s Homecoming theme “Bulldog Country” is a nod to the agricultural industry within the community. It kicked off Monday with the Homecoming Roundup, which featured games, giveaways and the opportunity to meet the equestrian team and four of its horses.
The week consisted of multiple events, all of them aiming to bring the campus community together, Elizondo said.
“It’s really about getting alumni, friends and students, faculty and staff together to really kind of promote school spirit and school pride,” he said.
Christopher Rowe, a senior Spanish major, said Homecoming Week is about remembering traditions and history of the university.
“I think it’s something that is important because it brings out school spirit,” Rowe said.
On Tuesday, eight two-person teams competed in an “Amazing Race” scavenger hunt. The winners were awarded tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Bulldog Wednesday brought out the school pride in students. Those who wore Fresno State shirts were given free root beer floats at the University Student Union and electro pop band Amoret played at the USU’s downstairs patio.
On Thursday, the women’s volleyball team hosted Colorado State. Additionally, The Bucket’s monthly Thirsty Thursday, organized by Associated Students, Inc., combined with USU Production’s Comedy Night featuring Blimprov, an improvisational group.
Ashleigh Rocker, ASI programs and volunteer coordinator, said this year the organization has taken a step back, only helping with marketing and sending student volunteers to events. Student Affairs took the lead for the week’s events, and Rocker said it has done a great job.
On Saturday a student tailgate will be held at the University Courtyard at 3 p.m., followed by the Bulldogs’ Mountain West Conference game at Bulldog Stadium against San Jose State.
Homecoming Week will conclude Sunday with the basketball home-opener double header at Save Mart Center. The women’s team will play at 2 p.m. against Notre Dame De Namur and the men’s team will play at 4 p.m. against UC Santa Cruz.