Students, alumni prep for first game, tailgating
Andrew Riggs / The Collegian
Alysia Lebeau, a member of the Student Alumni Association, set up tents on Bulldog Boulevard for the first home football game. |
By Travis Ball
The Collegian
One student described tailgating as getting a sense of the “Red Wave.”
Jose Munoz, a senior majoring in liberal studies, said tailgates are good places to meet new people and eat good food.
“Fresno State has great stability in its fans,” Munoz said.
Munoz said he and his friends tailgate at the same place outside Bulldog Stadium every year — and he encouraged others to take part.
Fans who are new to tailgating have the opportunity to stop by the “Bulldog Boulevard” pre-game party from 2 to 5 p.m. this afternoon in the red lot east of Bulldog Stadium.
The Bulldog Boulevard event will take place before every home game this season and is sponsored by the Fresno State Alumni Association.
The Bulldog Boulevard will have food and drinks available for purchase, along with face painting booths, a live band and inflatable games.
The Fresno State cheerleaders, Timeout and the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band will also make appearances.
No alcohol will be permitted at Bulldog Boulevard.
The Alumni Association will also be hosting a tailgate party for it members and friends at the North Concourse at Beiden Field.
Amy DeGraw, the associate director of the Fresno State Alumni Association, said Friday’s tailgate party is free.
“It’s to get people excited for the season and provide a place where alumni can meet up with their friends before the game,” she said.
DeGraw said the tailgate mixer is a place where Association members can reconnect. The event will serve various appetizers along with wine tasting.
“I want the alumni to know that this first tailgate is a way to thank all of our members and give people a place to meet,” DeGraw said.
Friday’s season opener will also include a major change for fans.
The CSU system’s new ban on alcohol sales at university owned or operated facilities, put in place by Chancellor Charles B. Reed earlier this year, will be enforced.
However, alcohol will be sold outside the stadium, including in the “Red Lot” parking area at Cedar and Barstow Avenues.
Ovations, Fresno State’s official concessionaire, will be responsible for ensuring that all alcohol remains in the area and is not served to minors.
Alcohol will also be for sale at Friday’s Alumni Association tailgate parties and at the homecoming game Oct. 14 but may not be sold at any other tailgate unless by the University concessionaire or with permission from the Fresno State Department of Safety.
Munoz expects there to be more consumption of alcohol outside the game due to the new policy.
“Hopefully they have a lot more security,” Munoz said.
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