Fresno State Football Preparations | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Friday, September 4, 2009

Fresno, CA As of today the university has gone above its goal of selling more than 30,000 tickets. But administrators said there will be plenty of seats left for fans to purchase before the big game.

A fresh layer of paint going on the field means it's the beginning of football season at bulldog stadium.

Lisa Cruff, Fresno State Student said: "It's really exciting everyone is pumped for it, it's like the first game."

Kip McArthur, Senior said: "Everybody I know will be going."

But before fans arrive there is still a lot of work to finish behind the scenes.

Jason Pirtle, Fresno State Event Coordinator said: "It's getting pretty hectic around here but we're ready for it."

Alex Cordova said it takes three hours alone to paint the bulldog at midfield, and this year his crew is adding two new symbols, one is in honor of the team's late defensive coordinator Dan Brown.

Alex Cordova, Athletic Coordinator said: '"He's been here so long, he's a great guy, and he was an awesome guy."

Athletic crews began preparations two weeks ago, but now they are hustling finish as much as possible before Friday.

That's when most employees take a furlough day. But the athletic department will not have the day off and must take care of any unfinished business.

Alex Cordova, Athletic Coordinator said: "A lot of grounds guys are going to be gone we have to make sure everything is going to be watered, the grass is manicured um restrooms."

Heather McGrew, Vendor said: "I like people dealing with them; you know you get all types of people in here."

Ken Wilson, General Manager of Pardini's Concessions has 32,000 bottles of water stocked for the game and said fans will have more food choices this year.

Ken Wilson said: "We picked up a couple more subcontractors, shaved ice Dougans, Consessions, and Vics junkyard dogs."

Those who stood in line for the first golden ticket of the season hope they are in for a exciting game.

Kip McArthur said: "Opening day everybody gets wild, hopefully we'll beat Davis pretty good."

Another thing that will be different this year is the area where fans normally tailgate called bulldog boulevard is in a different location just off Cedar. We're told it is more visible and easily accessible.