Free parking will be available and there is no charge for admission to the event. California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed and members of the CSU Board of Trustees will join Fresno State President John D. Welty and Fresno Mayor Alan Autry along with a host of legislators, local officials, faculty, staff and students for the ceremonial first step in construction of what will be among the first major landmarks of the new millennium in the Valley. He said a specially trained Timeout will play a major role in helping stake the foundation of his new Doghouse.
Organizers plan several other surprises at the event.
Arakel Arisian, president of the Associated Students, Inc. at Fresno State, will lead a parade of students from the Smittcamp Alumni House to the event, which will feature a special stage. The students will claim their territory in establishing the Dog Pound, which will include 2,000 seats as part of the Legacy 2000 referendum they approved last fall for a student recreational center that will be part of the Save Mart Center's West Complex. Bleachers will be erected to provide seating at the groundbreaking site. Parking accommodations will be available in Lots C and V at the Smittcamp Alumni House, which is within walking distance of the groundbreaking site on the southeast side of the campus. The Bulldog trolley will run between the parking lots and the site for those in need of assistance.