New Name. New Era. Same Tradition.

Bulldogs usher in a new era at newly named Valley Children’s Stadium

By Eddie Hughes (’05)

The California State University Board of Trustees approved the renaming of Bulldog Stadium to Valley Children’s Stadium on July 13, solidifying an expanded partnership between Fresno State and Valley Children’s Healthcare that will underscore a shared commitment to education and health.

With the vibrant new stadium signage illuminating the night sky, the Bulldogs played their first game at Valley Children’s Stadium on Sept. 1, a 35-7 win over Cal Poly.

As part of an expansive partnership that includes renaming of the stadium, Valley Children’s pledged $1 million per year for 10 years from its marketing budget that will help the health care network increase its visibility and attract the best physicians, employees and private support. The partnership will also strengthen scholarship opportunities for local students, including those pursuing degrees in health, and it will set the foundation for future improvements to enhance the stadium.

The stadium has stood as a Central Valley landmark since it was built in 1980. With 40,727 seats, two of the first three games of the 2022 season were sellouts.

Fresno State is 188-62-2 all-time at the stadium, a winning percentage of nearly 75% — which ranks in the top 25 of all Football Bowl Subdivision programs nationally. Since the turn of the century, the Bulldogs are 90-38 at home, including four undefeated home records.

Some of the many memorable moments at the stadium include the first-ever Mountain West championship game in 2013, when Derek Carr and Davante Adams led the Bulldogs to a win over Utah State with temperatures dropping near 30 degrees, and a 2001 win over No. 10 Oregon State — led by David Carr — when the Red Wave rushed the field and tore down the south goal posts in celebratory fashion.

Both of the Carrs’ families have turned to Valley Children’s to provide care to their own children, and both serve as ambassadors for the healthcare network.

“For Valley Children’s, our partnership with Fresno State aligns with our commitment to ensure our kids have every chance to learn, grow and live their healthiest lives possible,” says Todd Suntrapak, Valley Children’s Healthcare president and CEO. “The health and well-being of our children depend on organizations like Fresno State and Valley Children’s to invest in their future and to create new opportunities for them.”