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No. 1 Thing to Know for Fresno State's Football Home Opener
Image of GV Wire news director and columnist Bill McEwen
By Bill McEwen, News Director
Published 20 hours ago on
September 11, 2026

Attending Fresno State's home football opener vs. Sacramento State? Be sure to bring a debit card, credit card, or phone mobile wallet because Valley Children's Stadium is going cashless for the 2026 season. (GV Wire Composite)

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If you’re planning to attend Fresno State’s home football opener against Sacramento State, be sure to bring a debit card, credit card, or phone mobile wallet.

Valley Children’s Stadium is going cashless.

Fresno St.(0-1, 0-0 Pac-12)
vs Sac St. (1-1, 0-1 MAC)
7:30 p.m. Saturday
Valley Children’s Stadium
Broadcast guide

“Cash will not be accepted for any purchases made at the stadium, including concessions, parking and tickets,” the Fresno State athletic department said Friday. “Guests should be prepared to use a credit card, debit card or approved mobile payment method for all transactions.”

The athletic department also encouraged fans to buy tickets and parking in advance for faster, more convenient entry.

What Else Is New for 2026?

The Bulldogs want fans to get in their seats early. Not only does a full stadium at kickoff set the tone for the game, it enhances Fresno State’s image as a successful program during nationally televised games.

As an enticement, Fresno State is offering early arrivers a chance to win a classic candy red 1955 Chevrolet delivery sedan courtesy of Fashion Furniture. Fans can enter the drawing throughout the home season, with the winner announced at the Bulldogs’ final home game.

In addition, there are new ribbon boards and speakers to enhance the game-day experience. The upgraded displays will provide graphics, real-time information, and other content.

The university, with support from The Meat Market, also has replaced its weak T-shirt launcher with a new T-shirt gatling gun that can hit the stadium’s upper reaches.

Finally, the athletic department promises that it will have many more hawkers circulating through the rows selling beer, soda, and selected food items.

Bulldog BLVD & Modelo Block Party

Fresno State Athletics and Bulldog Sports Enterprises are launching the Modelo Block Party, a new entertainment village on the east side of the stadium adjacent to the soccer field and east entrance.

Designed as an extension of Toyota Bulldog BLVD, the Modelo Block Party offers a new hub of activity. It merges live music entertainment, food and beverage, games, premium hospitality, and family-friendly experiences into one spot.

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Bill McEwen,
News Director
Bill McEwen is news director and columnist for GV Wire. He joined GV Wire in August 2017 after 37 years at The Fresno Bee. With The Bee, he served as Opinion Editor, City Hall reporter, Metro columnist, sports columnist and sports editor through the years. His work has been frequently honored by the California Newspapers Publishers Association, including authoring first-place editorials in 2015 and 2016. Bill and his wife, Karen, are proud parents of two adult sons, and they have two grandsons. You can contact Bill at 559-492-4031 or at bmcewen@gvwire.com
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