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School
University of California, Berkeley
Stadium
California Memorial Stadium
Capacity
63,186
Conference
ACC
The neighborhoods where Berkeley fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe — here's where to find your crowd.
Berkeley's iconic college strip with bars, restaurants, and a vibrant gameday scene
Notable Bars
The city center with craft bars, breweries, and a lively pre-game atmosphere
Notable Bars
Upscale neighborhood near campus with wine bars and gastropubs popular with alumni
Notable Bars
Plan your game day around the University of California, Berkeley California Golden Bears home schedule
Sep 5, 2026
Sep 12, 2026
Sep 19, 2026
Oct 3, 2026
Oct 10, 2026
Oct 17, 2026
Oct 31, 2026
Nov 7, 2026
Nov 14, 2026
Nov 21, 2026
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
Fall football weather in Berkeley brings a mix of conditions from warm September afternoons to cold November nights. Layers are your best friend on game day.
78°
High
55°
Low
65°
High
44°
Low
50°
High
32°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to California Memorial Stadium.
Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.
The definitive guide to Berkeley's college bar scene — where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.
1.2 miles from California Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Berkeley craft brewery institution
Known For
0.8 miles from California Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Cal institution
Known For
1.0 miles from California Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Sports bar
Known For
1.5 miles from California Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Craft brewery
Known For
1.3 miles from California Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Beer garden
Known For
1.1 miles from California Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Dive bar classic
Known For
The best order to hit Berkeley's top bars on game day — optimized for walking distance, atmosphere, and crowd energy.
Start
Est. Time
3.5 hours
Total Distance
1.0 miles
Start Here
1920 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
2439 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
2181 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
1822 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
1160 6th St, Berkeley, CA 94710
End Point
What makes California Golden Bears game day unique — the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.
The Big Game — Cal vs. Stanford — is one of the oldest rivalries in college football, dating back to 1892. The winner earns the Axe Trophy, a coveted symbol of Bay Area supremacy. The week leading up to The Big Game is the most electric of the entire Cal season, with Telegraph Avenue packed in blue and gold.
On November 20, 1982, Cal returned a kickoff through the Stanford band for a touchdown expired — 'The Play' — the most chaotic and celebrated moment in college football history. Cal fans celebrate this legendary play every gameday ultimate symbol of Golden Bears resilience and creativity.
Tightwad Hill — a free public hillside overlooking California Memorial Stadium — is one of the most beloved traditions in college football. Fans who can't get tickets (or just love the view) gather on the hill with blankets, binoculars, and beers to watch the game. It's a uniquely Berkeley, uniquely Cal experience.
Telegraph Avenue — Berkeley's iconic college strip — is the heart of Cal gameday. Triple Rock Brewery, Kip's Bar & Grill, and Jupiter Beer Garden fill with blue-and-gold fans before kickoff. The eclectic, intellectual Berkeley energy makes it one of the most unique pre-game scenes in the entire ACC.
A cannon fires after every Golden Bears touchdown, sending a boom echoing across the Berkeley Hills. The sound reverberates through California Memorial Stadium and signals another score for the Bears — a tradition that has rattled opponents and thrilled Cal fans for decades.
Taking BART to Downtown Berkeley station is the quintessential Cal gameday experience. Fans pack the trains in blue and gold, building energy all the way from San Francisco and Oakland. It's the smartest, most fun, and most Berkeley way to arrive for a Golden Bears home game.
Top spots to eat before or after the game — ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.
Hot Dogs · 0.8 miles from stadium
Berkeley institution since 1966 — the most famous hot dog stand near Cal campus
Pizza · 1.5 miles from stadium
Berkeley pizza legend — one daily vegetarian pizza made fresh all day, always a line
Mexican · 0.9 miles from stadium
Telegraph Avenue burrito spot — the best quick Mexican food near Cal campus
Pizza · 1.4 miles from stadium
North Berkeley pizza spot with one daily pizza — simple, delicious, and always packed
Sandwiches · 1.0 miles from stadium
Bay Area sandwich chain with massive portions — the best sandwiches on Telegraph Avenue
Italian · 1.2 miles from stadium
Berkeley Italian spot with homemade pasta — the best upscale pre-game meal near campus
The top districts in Berkeley for game day bar crawls and nightlife.
Berkeley's iconic college strip with bars, restaurants, and a vibrant gameday scene
The city center with craft bars, breweries, and a lively pre-game atmosphere
Upscale neighborhood near campus with wine bars and gastropubs popular with alumni
Turn your love of California Golden Bears football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at California Memorial Stadium
Limited official tailgate lots near the stadium — purchase in advance.
Free public hillside area with views into the stadium — a beloved Cal tradition.
Bar patios and street tailgates along Berkeley's iconic college strip.
Rideshare Drop-off
Uber/Lyft drop-off on Centennial Dr near Memorial Stadium. Telegraph Avenue drop-off for pre-game bar crawl.
Shuttle Service
UC Berkeley runs game day shuttles from BART stations to Memorial Stadium on all home game days.
Top hotels near California Memorial Stadium for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Berkeley game day bar crawls
Information sourced from official and authoritative references
Cal Athletics Official Site
Official schedules, tickets, and parking for California Memorial Stadium.
California Memorial Stadium Fan Guide
Stadium policies, bag rules, and gameday information.
Visit Berkeley
Official Berkeley visitor guide, hotels, and local events.
ACC Official Site
Conference standings, schedules, and broadcast information.
ESPN College Football
Live scores, schedules, and game day coverage.
Explore every bar district, find the best spots near California Memorial Stadium, and discover where California Golden Bears fans drink on game day.