SDSU Rainbow Bridge

Lighting the Bridge

The pedestrian bridge is a unique and prominent feature at San Diego State University. This pedestrian bridge is a 230-foot long and 45-foot tall bridge that connects the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union to the East Campus residential community, over College Avenue.

SDSU will uplight the Rainbow Bridge with colors symbolic or widely recognized for a specific cause, event, anniversary, commemoration or acknowledgment, including but not limited to:

  • Federal Holidays: Lighting may include colors associated with national holidays, such as red, white, and blue for Independence Day.
  • California State Holidays: Colors reflecting state-specific holidays may be used, such as green for Earth Day or purple for Women’s History Month.
  • University Milestones: The bridge may be lit for significant campus achievements, such as athletic victories, academic recognition or university anniversaries. 
  • Monthly Commemoration Events: The bridge may be lit to support causes such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pride Month, Black History Month and Women’s History Month, which are open to all students, faculty and staff. 
  • Special Events: The bridge may also be lit for special campus events like Homecoming, graduation or cultural celebrations.

All requests must be submitted by an active SDSU faculty or staff member or Associated Students using their official SDSU email address.

Guidelines for Rainbow Bridge Lighting Requests

Lighting requests must promote SDSU and university events, initiatives, seasons or activities that are of general interest to the public and campus community. The lighting display must align with the university’s mission and values, ensuring the commemoration is appropriate for the SDSU community.

Lighting may not identify or promote any specific political candidate, parties, issues or religion. Third party advertising or other commercial requests are not permitted.

Timing

All requests must be submitted at least four (4) weeks prior to requested lighting start date.  Requests should specify the dates and duration of the lighting display. Lighting will be approved for a duration of one (1) day, with the option for extension depending on the nature of the event or commemoration.

All special considerations for lighting extensions will be subject to prior approval by SDSU Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm). 

Color Usage

Colors requested must be symbolic or widely recognized for the specific cause, event, anniversary, commemoration or acknowledgment. Preferred color may be requested in general terms.

Approval Process

All lighting requests must be submitted to SDSU Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm) for review and approval. StratComm may also consult with other campus units to include, but not limited to, Facilities Services, Student Affairs and Campus Diversity as part of the review process.

All requests must be submitted using the online submission form included at the bottom of this page. Submissions must include:

  • Name of sponsoring group (with contact person identified)
  • Written description of purpose of lighting
  • Start and end dates of the lighting
  • Name of sponsoring group’s administrative officer or supervisor

If you have any questions regarding the Rainbow Bridge Lighting request or approval process, please contact StratComm by emailing [email protected].

Submission form

Note: Lighting requests must be submitted at least four (4) weeks prior to intended lighting start date.
Lighting on the bridge is LED. Color can be provided in general terms.
Lighting requests in support of companies, organizations and other entities not affiliated with SDSU will not be honored.