SAN DIEGO – The San Diego State athletic department has announced it will celebrate 100 seasons of Aztec football during the team's 2022 campaign.
SDSU director of athletics John David Wicker addressed the media prior to the Aztec men's basketball game vs. No. 20/19 Colorado State on Saturday to discuss the planned festivities for the upcoming season.
"This is a big year for Aztec athletics, this is a big year for San Diego State University and most importantly this is a big year for Aztec football," Wicker said. "The hype is real. We are bringing football back to campus. We're going to open a phenomenal stadium on September 3rd, 2022 for our Aztec football team, Bashor Field at Snapdragon Stadium against the University of Arizona. I'm excited for our coaches, our staff and our student-athletes to have the opportunity to run out on that field and have a true homefield advantage."
Joining Wicker at the ceremony were former SDSU stars Marshall Faulk, Willie Buchanon, Fred Dryer, Kirk Morrison, Donnel Pumphrey and Akbar Gbaja Biamila.
"The celebration of our 100th season of Aztec football is not just about our current players," Wicker said. "It's about our past players. Those who have built the legacy to get us to where we are today. It's also about a celebration for our future players. This is going to allow us to really elevate this program. The work that everyone has done before the last 12 years to be bowl eligible, to always be above .500, to win multiple conference championships, to be 7-2 against the Pac-12 since the 2016 season, it just goes to show how strong Aztec football is."
Among the highlights for the 100th-year celebration include the unveiling of all-decade teams at each Aztec home game this season, along with the recognition of various San Diego State legends.
SDSU will kick off the 2022 campaign at Snapdragon Stadium, its new state-of-the-art facility in Mission Valley, on Saturday, Sept. 3 against Arizona. The Aztecs boast a 7-2 record against Pac-12 schools since 2016.
San Diego State finished with a 12-2 record in 2021, marking the first time in program history the Aztecs have compiled 12 victories in a single season. SDSU capped the year with a 38-24 triumph over UTSA in the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl.