Big Game

I was looking forward to the Big Game against Stanford. The Big Game is the annual football game between University of California, Berkeley and Stanford University, which is held in late November. The first Big Game was held on March 19, 1892 on San Francisco's Haight Street grounds when Stanford beat Cal 14–10. Stanford won the most recent Big Game on November 20, 2010 by a score of 48–14. This was a huge disappointment. The location of the Big Game alternates between the two universities every year. In even-numbered years, the game is played at Berkeley, while in odd-numbered years, it is played at Stanford. The victor of the game has been awarded possession of the Stanford Axe.

In the week before the game, both schools celebrate the occasion with rallies, reunions, and luncheons. Cal students hold a traditional pep rally and bonfire at the Greek Theatre on the eve of the game, while Stanford students stage the Gaieties, a theatrical production that both celebrates and pokes fun at the rivalry. The week also includes various other athletic events including "The Big Splash" (water polo), "The Big Spike" (volleyball), "The Big Freeze" (ice hockey), "The Big Sweep" (Quidditch) and the Ink Bowl, a touch football game between the members of the two schools' newspapers. In addition, the two schools compete in a blood drive called "Rivals for Life."

I was really upset by this game, especially since it was my last big game as an undergrad. I will always bleed blue and gold.

California Victories:46
Stanford Victories:56
Tied games: 11

xoxo,
Kat