There?s a big bang that can be heard across the campus most Saturday nights when the Sacramento State football team scores a touchdown in Hornet Stadium.

During home football games, a cannon is waiting on the sidelines for the moment when a Hornet football player gets the ball across the goal line.

Supervised by Pyro Spectacular, who also does a fireworks display during halftime, the cannon booms loud as one or more touchdowns are marked up on the scoreboard. “It catches people off guard,” said Kara Ansotegui, assistant marketing and promotions director of athletics at Sac State.

The cannon does its part in sending out chilling effects for a short-lived celebration. However, the impact is safely controlled.

“It?s a lot safer than using an actual cannon,” said P. S. technician, Jack Davis (whose daughter Michelle attends Sac State).

Davis operated the cannon for the Hornet game against Weber State on Sept. 29. The cannon consists of electrical components and 10 grams of Concussion Heads.

“That’s what makes the loud noise and ignites the flash powder,” Davis said.

Ansotegui and her supervisor, Solly Fulp, thought of using the cannon and displaying fireworks during the football games to help promote school spirit. It was originally displayed at the first football game of the school year and has been a popular hit of the games ever since.

“There haven?t been any complaints on the noise. It?s just fun and exciting,” Ansotegui said.

Normally access to a cannon and a fireworks display would be expensive, but thanks to Ralph?s Grocery and United Rental, who sponsor the display, Sac State is able to show the crowd a good time at the games along with the football team, for free.

For this year?s Homecoming game, along with the cannon and fireworks display, there will be a tug-of-war competition during halftime for more fun and excitement.

For more information, call the Sports Activity Center at 278-6896.