Fresno State Homecoming 2022: Here’s what to know ahead of the Bulldogs’ big game

It might surprise you to realize that Homecoming Weekend is mere weeks away. The weeklong celebration from Oct. 10-15 will connect current Fresno State students with alumni on campus, as they celebrate the heritage of the university and cheer on the Bulldogs football team.

If you’re an alumnus planning to return to Fresno for the first time in awhile, you probably have some questions about what campus life is like. We’re here to give you a guide to make the most out of your visit and make Homecoming 2022 a weekend you’ll never forget.

Who is Fresno State playing in the Homecoming game?

The Bulldogs football team will take on San Jose State on Saturday, Oct. 15. Fresno State is coming off a 2021 season in which they finished 10-3 (6-2 conference play) and capped it off by defeating UTEP 31-24 in the New Mexico Bowl.

San Jose State, meanwhile, finished just 5-7 (3-5 conference play) and were blown out by Fresno State in the final game of the 2021 season by a score of 40-9.

How do I get tickets to Fresno State vs. San Jose State

Tickets for the Homecoming game can be purchased through gobulldogs.com. Prices range from $27 to $120 for the game against the Spartans.

Group ticket options with special rates are also available for parties of 25 people or more. If you want more information on these packages (which can include tailgating space) fill out the ticket form here.

Where should I stay during Homecoming weekend?

You can search for hotels by proximity to the Fresno State campus, price, and guest ratings. Visit Fresno County also hosts a helpful list of hotels to consider for your trip.

If you’re looking to go the vacation rental route, there are house and apartment options through Airbnb and Vrbo.

What should I eat while I’m in Fresno?

We’re glad you asked. Writer Bethany Clough has an extensive list of food & drink stories to get lost in. But we’ll highlight a few here.

Early in 2022, Yelp looked at the data from its reviews and pulled together the top 50 places to eat in Fresno. “The result is a who’s who of local restaurants, almost all family owned and operated,” Clough writes. Check out the full list here.

If 50 options is a little overwhelming, how about this list of 30 new restaurants that have opened in 2022? From Nashville Hot Chicken joints to barbecue and ice cream, there are plenty of new spots to pick from.

When you’re looking for that morning pick-me-up (or need to recover after a night partying with your college friends), don’t skimp on the coffee. Earlier this year, we held a poll and readers voted on the best cup of coffee in Fresno.

And if you want to eat what the locals eat, check out this list of Fresno’s top 10 restaurant dishes, as voted by Bee readers.

Get our complete travel guide for Homecoming Weekend here.

Drinking in Fresno? What to know

If you’re looking for a cold craft beer before (or after) the Bulldogs take on San Jose State, you’re in luck. Fresno is definitely a brewery town, and Yelp has a list of 10 of the best in the city.

The Bee also held a poll for readers to decide on the best dive bar in the area. While Clovis’ Outlaw Tavern took the top spot, other Fresno dives made the top 10.

Taking a trip to Yosemite?

While you’re in the area for Homecoming, why not take a trip to Yosemite National Park? By mid-October, the leaves on the trees might be starting to turn, which can result in vibrant colors.

Although reservations were required to enter Yosemite during peak hours much of this year, as of Oct. 1 they are not needed. Expect to pay $35 for normal park entrance fees when you arrive.

Click here for more information about visiting Yosemite in the fall, including updated road closures.