The Stanford University Big Game

Stanford University Hotel Accommodation Stanford Cal Big Game Celebrations Cal Stanford Big Game History

The "Big Game" is the term for the annual football game between Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley and is widely acknowledged as being one of the great rivalries in the history of college football, or perhaps any sport. Although the very first Big Game took place at San Francisco's Haight Street grounds on March 19, 1892, today the Big Game is usually held in late November -early December following a lead up period of rituals, celebrations and yearly events to mark the occasion.

Whether or not you're a fan of football, there's no denying the traditions leading up to the Big Game between Stanford and Cal and there's absolutely no reason to miss out on all the fun. To learn more about getting tickets to the Big Game go to www.calbears.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/cal-m-footbl-sched.html or www.gostanford.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/stan-m-footbl-sched.html.

Stanford Cal Big Game Celebrations -

Half the fun of the Big Game rivalry between the Stanford and Cal football teams are the parties and events that take place in the week leading up to the game. Both Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley mark the annual game by holding reunions and rallies. Traditionally on the night of the game, Cal Berkeley's students hold a bonfire and pep rally at the historic Greek Theatre. Meanwhile, in Palo Alto, Stanford students hold "The Big Splash" water polo event and a corresponding "Big Freeze" hockey event. Stanford University students also stage their annual production of the Gaieties, a theatre piece that celebrates the rivalry in hilarious comedic fashion. Even the journalist department gets involved with the "Ink Bowl." Fought between the members of the Cal and Stanford newspapers, it's a more mild-mannered touch football version of the "Big Game" rivalry.

Cal Stanford Big Game History -

Not just one of the biggest events in the Bay Area, the Big Game enjoys one of the richest histories in all of college football. Dating back to the very first "Big Game" in 1892, when Stanford beat the University of California 14-10, the rivalry between these two teams has raged almost unabated and is filled with fun facts. Future United States President Herbert Hoover managed that very first Stanford football team to victory in 1892. Ranking as the NCAA Division's tenth longest rivalry, Stanford has bested Cal historically with more wins, leading by more than 20 games as of 2009. Built on tradition, each year the location of the Big Game between Stanford and Cal alternates, with the game being played at Berkeley in even-numbered years and at Stanford in
odd-numbered years.