The capital city of California is home to Sacramento State University, where the Hornets have built a proud football tradition. The program has fielded a team since 1954 and called Hornet Stadium home since 1969. Following a surge of success at the FCS level, the Hornets made the jump to the FBS ranks in 2026. Commonly known as Sac State, the Hornets are deeply ingrained in Sacramento’s identity, community, and sports culture.
Like most college football programs, tailgating is at the heart of the pregame experience. The celebration comes alive in tent-filled parking lots, where fans fire up the grills, enjoy classic gameday fare, and toss footballs around with friends. The festivities reach their peak with the Hornet Walk, when fans gather to welcome the team as it arrives at the stadium. Cheer squads, Herky the Hornet, and the Sacramento State Marching Band help create an electric atmosphere as the Hornets make their way through a sea of cheering supporters.
Team slogans are a staple of college football culture, and Sac State has embraced one of its own: “Stingers Up!” Serving as both a stadium battle cry and a friendly greeting between fans, the phrase captures the pride and camaraderie surrounding the program. A raised pinky finger, symbolizing a hornet’s stinger, often accompanies the chant. While college football slogans can occasionally be a little corny, they remain beloved traditions that unite fans and strengthen the gameday atmosphere. Whether used to intimidate an opponent or show solidarity with fellow supporters, a spirited “Stingers Up!” brings the green and gold faithful together.
Ultimately, what makes college football gamedays so special is the pageantry and personality that surround them. Spirit squads bring energy and excitement, while mascots add a healthy dose of character and fun. Sac State delivers on both fronts with its cheerleaders and beloved mascot, Herky the Hornet, entertaining fans throughout the festivities. Meanwhile, marching bands elevate the experience with rousing fight songs, spirited performances, and captivating on-field spectacles. The Sacramento State Marching Band adds its own flair to the atmosphere, bringing showmanship and school pride to every performance. Together, these traditions make a Hornets gameday an experience that celebrates not only football, but the Sacramento community itself.
From the pregame festivities in the parking lots to the electric atmosphere inside Hornet Stadium, a Sacramento State football gameday is a celebration of community, tradition, and school pride. The sights and sounds of the Hornet Walk, the energy of Herky the Hornet, and the unmistakable spirit of the Sacramento State Marching Band create an experience that extends far beyond the action on the field. As the Hornets embrace their new chapter at the FBS level, these traditions remain at the heart of the program and its connection to Sacramento. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or a first-time visitor, there’s nothing quite like joining the green and gold faithful, raising a pinky, and shouting, “Stingers Up!”
