Bulldog football returns to Valley Children’s Stadium on Aug. 30, and so are the theme games. Return of fan-favorites and special combinations are sure to give Bulldog fans a reason to pack Valley Children’s Stadium.
The home schedule is on the weaker side for the Bulldogs this season. Their six opponents had a combined record of 29-46 in 2024.
Stringing some wins together earlier in the season against these weaker opponents put the ‘Dogs in a prime position to make a run for a Mountain West title in their final year in the conference.
Head Coach Matt Entz makes his debut in August, and a couple of old rivals come back to the Valley. The final season in the Mountain West will not disappoint for Bulldog fans
The only spirit night that the Bulldogs swapped out from 2024 is Fright Night.
Here’s a ranking of the theme nights:
6. Native American Heritage (Nov. 15 vs Wyoming)
The only theme night that is not combined with something for the Bulldogs. This could have been the blackout game, whiteout game, a Red Wave theme to tack onto Native American Heritage. It also does not have a premier matchup in Wyoming. Picked to finish tenth out of twelve in the Mountain West this year.
This game could have implications for the Bulldogs in the Mountain West. They will play at Boise State, followed by a bye week. If they want to play for a conference championship, this game will be critical.
5. Bulldog Fiesta / Spirit Fest (Oct. 4 vs Nevada)
The home opener in the Mountain West for the Bulldogs should provide the party on Fiesta night. Again, no premier matchup this season tanks the value of the game on the field, but a spirited rival visiting the Valley will spark some fireworks on the field.
The beginning of a very weak home conference schedule could give the Bulldogs momentum heading into marquee matchups at Boise State and Colorado State.
4. Homecoming / Blackout (Oct. 25 vs San Diego State)
Rivalry. Homecoming. Blackout. Just like last season, the Bulldogs will don their all black uniforms for a rivalry game. The Aztecs return to the Valley for the first time since 2022 and reclaim the Oil Can.
The Aztecs will look to rebound from a 3-9 season in 2024, and anything can happen in a rivalry game.
3. Education Night / Jr. Bulldogs Night (Aug. 30 vs Georgia Southern)
Purely based on the anticipation of the home opener, this game will be rocking. Entz and his staff make their debut at Valley Children’s Stadium. It is also the first time the Bulldogs play the Eagles, which should add to the excitement.
“The ‘Dogs open up the home slate against Georgia Southern for Education Night and Jr. Bulldogs Night! Don’t miss your favorite characters pregame and a celebration of education during the game!!” Fresno State Athletics said.
2. Ag Fest and Boots & Buckles / Whiteout / Senior Night (Nov. 22 vs Utah State)
A perfect tribute to the Valley and its agricultural roots. It’s a staple for fans, and they will for sure go all-out for boots and buckles.
Combine it with a whiteout and senior night, and the final game at Valley Children’s Stadium against the Aggies.
It does feel over-the-top to have three themes on senior night, but that should multiply the energy for the final two games for the Bulldogs in the Mountain West. Maybe the energy can spark the Bulldogs to a championship title.
1. Heroes Night / Battle of the Bands (Sept. 13 vs. Southern University)
This is how you do theme nights. Bring in one of the premier marching bands and an HBCU. This halftime show performance will be the best performance at Valley Children’s Stadium this year. On top of honoring our heroes on the week of 9/11, the last non-conference game for the Bulldogs will get the Valley rocking for their final season in the Mountain West.
A tough non-conference schedule for the Bulldogs could have them sitting 1-2 heading into this game. A loss could see Entz on the hot seat on the way to Hawaii.
Bulldog Football will be the spot on weekends for the fall semester. The atmosphere will be fun no matter what.
