Jan. 20, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - The Save Mart Center underwent a dramatic transformation Sunday.

After the Professional Bull Riders event at the Save Mart Center on Friday night, crews went to work to convert the arena from a bull-friendly venue into an indoor track.

Crews spent a good portion of Saturday and all of Sunday to piece together the brand new, custom-designed indoor track for the second annual Run for the Dream.

The Run for the Dream shoots out of the blocks at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a four-way collegiate women's meet. Fresno State will host Cal Poly, Cal State Stanislaus and WAC opponent Hawai'i.

A short break later, the high school all-stars from across California will compete for regional bragging rights. Immediately following the California All-Stars meet will be the dedication of the new track donated by Fred Arnold in memory of his wife, Madeleine.

The night will culminate with the Visa Championship Series' USA vs. the World meet, pitting American athletes against the best of the international competitors in the first-ever team-scored event on the Visa Championship Series. Olympians, national champions, and record-holders highlight the list of competitors for the Run for the Dream.

"We have world-class athletes here," said Bulldog track coach, Bob Fraley. "This is going to be a truly great event."

Tickets are still available. The Save Mart Center Box Office will open at 9:30 a.m. for ticket sales and Ticketmaster can provide tickets at will call.