The annual Big Game Week is set to be a vibrant celebration in the Bay Area, culminating in the excitement of the 128th Big Game. Scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2025, the matchup will feature long-standing rivals, California and Stanford. Kickoff is at 4:30 PM, with the game broadcasted on the ACC Network.
Big Game Week Activities
Beginning on Monday, November 17, a series of events will occur leading up to the game. These activities aim to foster community spirit and support for the teams.
Event Schedule
- Monday, November 17
- 8 AM – 1 PM: Get The Red Out (Upper Sproul @UCRC Table, Berkeley, CA)
- 8:30 AM – 2 PM: Cable Car Rally (Ghirardelli Square and Union Square Plaza, San Francisco, CA)
- Tuesday, November 18
- 8 AM – 1 PM: Get The Red Out (Upper Sproul @UCRC Table, Berkeley, CA)
- 1 PM – 3 PM: From Bears With Love! (Upper Sproul @UCRC Table, Berkeley, CA)
- 7 PM: Cal Men’s Basketball vs. Presbyterian (Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA)
- Wednesday, November 19
- 8 AM – 1 PM: Get The Red Out (Upper Sproul @UCRC Table, Berkeley, CA)
- 11:30 AM: The Big Sail at St Francis Yacht Club, San Francisco, CA
- Noon: Tree Chopping Rally (Sproul Hall, Berkeley, CA)
- 7 PM: Cal Volleyball at Stanford (Maples Pavilion, Stanford, CA)
- Thursday, November 20
- 8 AM – 1 PM: Get The Red Out (Upper Sproul @UCRC Table, Berkeley, CA)
- 11:30 AM: Cal Women’s Basketball vs. Saint Mary’s (Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA)
- 8 PM: Night Rally (Starts at Bowles Hall, Berkeley, CA)
- Friday, November 21
- 2:30 PM: Men’s Water Polo vs. Johns Hopkins (Avery Aquatic Center, Stanford, CA)
- Noon: Noon Rally (Sproul Hall, Berkeley, CA)
- 6 PM (Doors)/Approximately 7 PM (Rally): Big Game Rally (Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA)
- 7 PM: Men’s Basketball vs. Sacramento State (Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA)
- Saturday, November 22
- TBD: Men’s Water Polo vs. TBD (Avery Aquatic Center, Stanford, CA)
- 2:30 – 3:30 PM: Cal Football Countdown Radio Show (Outside Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA)
- 4:30 PM: The 128th Big Game vs. Stanford (Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA)
- Sunday, November 23
- TBD: Men’s Water Polo vs. TBD (Avery Aquatic Center, Stanford, CA)
- 1 PM: Cal Volleyball vs. Stanford (Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA)
Rivalry Overview
The football rivalry between California and Stanford began in 1892, making it one of the oldest in college football. The series, noted for its intensity, features 128 iterations and is recognized as the sixth-longest active rivalry in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Notably, the outcomes of these games are often tightly contested.
Significant Game Facts
- California has dominated in recent years, winning five out of the last six games.
- The Big Game has frequently been decided by a touchdown or less, emphasizing its competitiveness.
- The most legendary moment in the rivalry was “The Play” in 1982, a dramatic finish that remains etched in college football lore.
For ongoing updates and coverage related to the Big Game Week and Cal football, fans are encouraged to check El-Balad and follow Cal Athletics on social media platforms.
