In June of 1979—after local residents raised $7 million in the most successful fundraising project in the history of San Joaquin Valley—Fresno State began constructing a stadium for their football team. At the end of the 1980 season, Fresno State began playing in the newly-built Bulldog Stadium. With their own stadium, they could host more than twice as many fans. The increased support led the team to four Big West championships and countless other victories. The field would eventually be named Jim Sweeny Field, in honor of the head coach.