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California Memorial Stadium - home of California in Berkeley, CA
NCAA FBS

California Memorial StadiumBerkeley, California

California

👥
Capacity
62,467
🏆
Conference
ACC
📅
Opened
1923
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

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📖About California Memorial Stadium

California Memorial Stadium holds 62,467 and sits directly on the Hayward Fault—one of the only stadiums in the world built straddling an active fault line. Opened in 1923 as a WWI memorial, it features stunning views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Home to the legendary "The Play" in 1982.

🏛️History

Origins

Opened November 24, 1923 with a 9-0 win over Stanford. Built as a memorial to Californians who died in WWI, designed by John Galen Howard in neoclassical style. The stadium sits in Strawberry Canyon.

Major Renovations

2012$321M seismic retrofit and renovation: stadium rebuilt to straddle fault safely
2020New video boards and enhanced concessions

Notable Moments

Nov 20, 1982"The Play"—Cal beat Stanford 25-20 with 5-lateral kickoff return through the band
Sep 1, 2012Renovated stadium opened vs Nevada—first game after seismic retrofit
Sep 9, 2017Cal beat #12 Ole Miss 27-16 in upset

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Sections F-L on west side offer Bay views and shade. The Skyline Club has all-inclusive hospitality. East side catches morning sun. Student section is in sections R-V.

Parking Tips

Very limited parking—public transit strongly recommended. BART to Downtown Berkeley, then Bear Transit shuttle. Closest parking at Foothill lot (permit required). Street parking fills early.

Game Day

Cal Band performs in Sproul Plaza before marching to stadium. Watch for Oski the bear mascot. The Stanford Axe rivalry trophy is legendary. "Roll On You Bears!" echoes through the canyon. Post-game, explore Telegraph Avenue. Clear bag policy enforced.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Raleigh’s Pub

$$

Classic Berkeley pub with a large outdoor patio and a great selection of local beers.

📍 0.8 miles2438 Telegraph Ave

💡 The heart of the Telegraph gameday scene. Arrive early.

Pappy’s Grill & Bar

$

Large sports bar on Telegraph with tons of TVs and a classic college vibe.

📍 0.8 miles2362 Telegraph Ave

💡 A favorite for students to watch morning games before heading to the canyon.

Jupiter

$$

Beautiful beer garden serving wood-fired pizza and house-brewed ales.

📍 1.1 miles2181 Shattuck Ave

💡 The back patio is one of the best spots in Berkeley for a pre-game pizza.

🍽️Restaurants

Top Dog

$

Berkeley institution serving over a dozen types of grilled sausages.

📍 0.7 miles2534 Durant Ave

💡 Quick, efficient, and delicious. The "Calabria" is a fan favorite.

The Cheese Board Collective

$$

Legendary worker-owned pizzeria serving one type of pizza each day with live jazz.

📍 1.5 miles1504 Shattuck Ave

💡 Expect a line, but it moves fast. Truly a unique Berkeley experience.

La Burrita

$

Reliable and popular Mexican spot for huge burritos right off campus.

📍 0.7 miles2530 Durant Ave

💡 Perfect for a filling meal before the hike up to Memorial Stadium.

🏨Hotels

Graduate Berkeley

$$$$

Boutique hotel with whimsical, Berkeley-themed decor located just steps from campus.

📍 0.7 miles2600 Durant Ave

💡 Henry’s bar in the lobby is a great gameday hangout.

Hotel Shattuck Plaza

$$$

Historic, mission-style hotel in downtown Berkeley near the BART station.

📍 1.2 miles2203 Shattuck Ave

💡 Convenient for those taking public transit into the city.

🎭Attractions

Sather Tower (The Campanile)

$

The world's third-tallest bell and clock tower, offering panoramic views of the Bay Area.

📍 0.5 milesCal Campus

💡 Take the elevator to the top for an incredible view of the stadium and the Bay.

Lawrence Hall of Science

$$

Interactive science museum located high in the hills above the stadium.

📍 1.5 miles1 Centennial Dr

💡 The view from the outdoor plaza is arguably the best in the entire East Bay.

🅿️Parking Options

🏢

Underhill Garage

$25-35
Garage📍 0.6 miles

💡 The closest major public garage to the stadium.

🏢

Telegraph Channing Garage

$20
Garage📍 0.9 miles

💡 Good city-run option near the shops and bars of Telegraph Ave.

🅿️

BART Station Lots

$5-10
Lot📍 Various

💡 Park at North Berkeley or Ashby BART and take the train/shuttle to avoid local traffic.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near California Memorial Stadium? Share it with us.

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Stadium Rankings

🏛️
#21 Oldest Stadium
View top 50 oldest
Learn more on Wikipedia→

🔥Rivals

→

Stanford Stadium

Stanford

The Big Game

Stanford, CA

→

Rose Bowl Stadium

UCLA

Pasadena, CA

Stadiums Near California Memorial Stadium

→

Sutter Health Park

Oakland Athletics

West Sacramento, CA9 mi
→

Oracle Park

San Francisco Giants

San Francisco, CA10 mi
→

Stanford Stadium

Stanford

Stanford, CA31 mi
→

Levi's Stadium

San Francisco 49ers

Santa Clara, CA36 mi
→

CEFCU Stadium

San Jose State

San Jose, CA43 mi
→

UC Davis Health Stadium

UC Davis Aggies

Davis, California53 mi

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.