Warszawski: What are Fresno area’s signature sports events?

Pole vaulting and peaches: a sweet and tasty combination that’s not served anywhere else.

Entering its 21st edition today, the North American Pole Vaulting Championships (commonly known as the Clovis Street Vault) is entrenched as one of our region’s signature sports events.

Clovis may not have been the first city to host a downtown competition, but it’s where the concept really soared. Thousands of spectators standing 10 deep line Pollasky Avenue to cheer some of the nation’s top pole vaulters. And since the Clovis Farmers Market is happening on an adjacent street, you can do it while munching on the finest locally grown produce.

“This is the best atmosphere you’ll ever find in pole vaulting anywhere in the world,” a former winner once said.

The Clovis Street Vault has become such a fixture that it got me thinking: What sports events best exemplify the Fresno area? What are the games, matches and races that every sports fan around here should attend at least once?

Here are 10 more I came up with:

Bulldogs football home opener

I could’ve picked any Fresno State football game, but there’s something special about the home opener. After nine long months without football, fans can hardly wait to see the Bulldogs burst through that tunnel and onto the checkerboard end zone.

Pregame tailgating is a huge part of the experience, and with September temperatures typically in the mid-90s there’s even more reason to stay hydrated. And this year, school officials are throwing out an extra plush welcome mat by permitting tailgating during the game and until 2 hours after.

Pro soccer at The Chuk

Drums, vuvuzelas and fans who sing and chant all game long. Chukchansi Park (and probably downtown Fresno) never buzzes like it does during a pro soccer match. It’s an experience that will give anyone a new appreciation for the sport.

A stadium-record 16,821 fans crammed in there earlier this month for an exhibition between two Liga MX squads, further illustrating Fresno’s potential as a home for pro soccer.

Grizzlies games on Thursday or Friday

Whether it’s Thursday night (cheap beer and next month’s Taco Truck Throwdown) or Friday night (fireworks) there’s no better way to spend a summer evening in Fresno. These are the evenings that typically get the best crowds.

The fact that the Grizzlies are actually good this year, tracking toward their first division title and playoff appearance since 1998, makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Central Section basketball finals at Selland

Ten championship games in one building held over the course of 30 hours. That’s the Central Section basketball finals at Selland Arena in a nutshell.

The atmosphere builds and builds, culminating in Saturday night’s Division I boys final that is usually contested between two Fresno-area teams. It’s great to see the old building, which remains Fresno’s best basketball venue, full of life.

Clovis Rodeo

The last weekend in April is practically reserved for the Clovis Rodeo, which packs ’em in year after year. One reason is because rodeo remains authentic. It embodies the traditions and values of the past, back when life was simple and uncomplicated with computer clutter. Another is because folks like dressing up in cowboy hats.

CIF track, cross country and swimming

The CIF finals in track and field (Veterans Memorial Stadium), cross country (Woodward Park) and swimming and diving (Clovis Olympic Swim Complex) bring together the state’s top prep athletes in their respective sports. But spectators don’t need to have any rooting interest to enjoy the competition.

Horse racing at The Big Fresno Fair

When it comes to people watching, it’s hard to beat an afternoon at the Tatarian Grandstand during the Big Fresno Fair. Doesn’t matter if it’s a weekday, the place is always packed with guys in designer jeans and ladies in nothing much at all. No one looks the slightest bit ill, but that’s probably what they told their bosses.

Short track auto racing

Watching on TV is one thing, but true racing fans need to hear engines roar and smell fuel fumes for themselves. The Valley has three short-track venues: Madera Speedway, a paved oval; and Keller Auto Speedway (formerly Kings Speedway) and Thunderbowl Raceway, which are both dirt tracks. It doesn’t get any more local than this.

High Sierra Regatta

Darned drought. Low water levels have left the High Sierra Regatta high and dry for two straight years. But I don’t want anyone to forget about it, because watching sailboats glide up and down Huntington Lake (while enjoying your favorite beverage) is a great way to spend a July afternoon.

Clovis-Buchanan wrestling

The intensity gets dialed up to 11 each time these Tri-River Athletic Conference rivals face off in a dual meet. Clovis tends to have the upper hand, which you might expect from a program that’s won five straight state titles. But rival Buchanan always gives ’em a battle.

Did I leave anything out? Feel free to add your own.

This story was originally published July 23, 2015 at 7:20 PM with the headline "Warszawski: What are Fresno area’s signature sports events?."