Fresno State Football returns to Valley Children’s Stadium on Aug. 30, as the Bulldogs host the Georgia Southern University Eagles.

The new season brings new food items, pregame festivities and fan experiences for the Red Wave. The gates are opening at least two hours before kickoff for fans to enjoy the experience, get to their seats and cheer on the Bulldogs for the 2025 season.

Stadium enhancements

Athletic Director Garrett Klassy alluded to gate problems that arose from the Shakira Concert. He said during the Week 0 broadcast that they are working on the issues and expect fans to get into the stadium on time.

In an email from Savannah Stoeckle, associate athletics director for strategic communications, there are some improvements for stadium entry.

First, there will be two additional gates on the northwest and southwest sides of Valley Children’s Stadium that will be open for entry. These gates are off Millbrook and Barstow Avenues.

Along with the additional gates, 10 new high-speed metal detectors will be added to the north, northeast and south gates of Valley Children’s Stadium. The metal detectors will help fans move through security lines quickly and eliminate the need for them to empty bags or pockets.

Valley Children’s Stadium has a renewed playing surface for the 2025 season.

Pregame festivities and attractions

As the gates open, Fresno State fans over 21 years old can enjoy the “Red Hour,” which discounts the Red Wave Light Lager for the first hour of gates opening.

The iconic Green V decal donned by all Fresno State athletes will be its own section in the stands at Valley Children’s Stadium. There is no official word if the section is designated for students only, but it should offer more excitement and fan engagement.

As fans file in for the game, it is anticipated that there will be an F-15 Eagle flyover paired with the national anthem.

Concessions

Valley Children’s Stadium has plenty of food options, from the normal stadium hot dogs and nachos to Chicken Shack and pulled pork sandwiches.

Free water will also be available at concession stands throughout the stadium, which will be provided by Pardini’s Restaurant.

Student section

The student section, also known as the Dog Pound, is designated as sections 36-38, with 38 being used for the marching band. These sections are located on the southeast side of the stadium. The Dog Pound allows students to cheer on the Bulldogs and make friends.

Student tickets are available for all individual games and as season tickets.

Parking and bag policy

Parking around the stadium is reserved for members of the Bulldog Foundation. Regular parking for the general public can be found on campus in parking lots P1, P2, P4, P5, P6, P30 and P31.

Other parking can be found around Valley Children’s Stadium, but it is not regulated by Fresno State.

As with many stadiums, Valley Children’s Stadium has a clear bag policy:

• Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and must not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
• Small clutch bags, 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches by 2 inches, can be taken into the stadium in addition to one of the approved clear bags described above.
• An exception will be made for any necessary medical items and diaper bags, but all such items are subject to inspection prior to entry into Valley Children’s Stadium.

Tickets are still available for the home opener. Kickoff is set for Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m. on Fox Sports 1.