Students to get sneak peek at Save Mart Center at rally

By Eisa Al Nashmi

As part of this week’s Homecoming events, students will be able to get their first look at the Save Mart Center by attending the sneak peek and the pep rally today.

Frankie Moore, student leadership and activities adviser, said students will be given a chance for a self-guided tour where they can look into the building’s facilities.

“ They can walk across the arena, check out the locker rooms and see the green room,” Moore said. “They can do things they would never do during ticketed events.”

Only students with a valid student ID, staff and alumni are allowed to get in the sneak peek. Each attendee can also bring one guest to the event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“It will be an exciting opportunity for the campus community to look at our new building,” Moore said.

One of the traditional activities that happens on colleges across the nation is the pep rally, which is designed to motivate students and increase school spirit for athletic events.

Moore said the pep rally is being held in conjunction with the Homecoming activities and the sneak peek for the first time.

This year’s event will be filled with excitement and creativity, said Robert Gomez, director of the pep rally.

Gomez said there will be two competitive events for recognized student clubs or organizations on campus. The winner of each event will win $200.

The “Most Spirited Group” contest is aimed at raising school pride by performing a Bulldogs cheer. A minimum of five people per group is required and the group must adhere to the Homecoming theme, “As Seen on TV.”

One way to promote school spirit is by wearing red, so Gomez and the pep rally committee members came up with a contest named “Group Most in Red.”

The groups, which must consist of at least five people, will need to rely heavily on creativity and innovation to win.

Gomez said participants should try their best to show as much red as possible and at the same time remain consistent with the Homecom-ing theme.

Individuals who want to show their Fresno State pride can also enter the banner contest and win $200.

Gomez said participants will be judged on adherence to the Homecoming theme, creativity and originality, and overall impression.

Gomez said Fresno State coaches are also scheduled to speak at the event.

“ Pat Hill will try to pump up the crowd and get everyone excited about the game, and Ray Lopes will talk about the new arena and his basketball team,” Gomez said.

B-95 radio station will be playing music during the event, sponsored by the Student Alumni Association. The pep rally will start at 11:30 a.m. in the Save Mart Center. It will end at 1 p.m. The sneak peek goes from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Moore said students should attend the events held at the Save Mart Center because the arena is built for them and to make Fresno State a more recognized university.

“ The campus community will be excited because we now have the state-of-the-art facility on campus that can encompass athletic events, concerts and all types of entertainment,” Moore said.