Are You Bleeding Black and Gold?

There’s a certain kind of energy in and around Long Beach State's campus this week.  As I was pulling into the Atherton Street entrance, cameras and news crew vans surrounded our Walter Pyramid. The last time Long Beach State got this much media attention, swine flu was detected in the dorms.  

This time, however, they were undoubtedly reporting on the success of the men’s basketball team over the weekend.  After winning the championship title in the Big West Conference, the LB State 49ers earned a spot in the NCAA tournament, meaning March Madness has come to Long Beach!

CSULB gets a lot of flak for being a “commuter school.”  The majority of the student population heads to class in the morning, leaves by the early evening, and never gives campus life a second thought on the weekends.  We’re not exactly brimming with school pride on any given day but it sort of works for us; however, the tides are turning.

With the 49ers' first round of NCAA play approaching, Long Beach State is finding that pride! 

Yes, those of us just starting to pay attention to our team might all be pegged as fair weather fans but who cares?  The 49ers haven’t been to the NCAA tournament since 2007 so let’s make the best of it! Throw on a black and gold t-shirt and represent Long Beach. 

If you’re lacking on Beach pride swag, check out the campus bookstore and The Beach store on 2^nd Street for some great deals, and make sure to head over to a local bar  or CSULB’s very own Nugget Grill and Pub this Thursday to watch your 49ers take on the New Mexico Lobos! 

Does LB State have what it takes to make a deep NCAA run? Let's hear your final four predictions!