Former Bulldogs prepare for the return to Selland Arena

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Bulldog basketball is returning to Downtown Fresno, a place synonymous with success.

The Fresno State men’s basketball team prepares to play its first game at Selland Arena since 2009.

Selland served as the Bulldogs’ home for 37 years, from 1966 to 2003.

It was here that legendary head coach Jerry Tarkanian came to the attention.

Former Bulldog Damon Jackson has fond memories of playing for the ‘Tarks under the lights of Selland Arena.

Jackson said, “In my career, I’ve never played a game that wasn’t sold out, so you know it was a big deal at the time. It was hard to get tickets. All the fans loved coming to the games and they supported us tremendously.”

Jackson is one of dozens of former Bulldogs who will return to the Valley on Sunday to watch the game inside Selland.

He last played on the court in 2003, when his 28-point performance against Nevada helped the Bulldogs win the Western Athletic Conference title.

“I’m really excited to see the old gym, see the team play in the old gym and hopefully they can bring a win for us in the old gym,” Jackson told Action News.

Head coach Vance Walberg hopes this nod to the past can inspire the team for the future.

“I think it’s great for these guys to understand the history and the different players who played here,” he said.

Mayor Jerry Dyer says the city is taking all measures to welcome fans downtown.

“As a city we want to make sure everything is flawless,” he said. “We are providing three of our trolleys so they will be able to run routes from Campus Point to the Brewery District, to Selland Arena. They will run every 15 minutes.”

Before tip-off, fans can stop by Tioga Sequoia in the Brewery District for a pregame party.

Dyer described the game as another piece in the puzzle of revitalizing the area.

“We want to continue that, and this is just an additional step. So it’s a two-way street. It’s getting people excited about Downtown Fresno, but also getting people excited about Bulldog basketball,” Dyer said.

Tip-off is scheduled for 3pm on Sunday at Selland Arena.

Tickets for the game are still on sale; You can find them here.