Big Game Postponed Until Dec. 1 at Noon

Cal put out the following press release

Due to poor air quality in the Bay Area, the 121st Big Game between Cal and Stanford has been rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1 at California Memorial Stadium. The game will kick off at 12 noon and be televised on the Pac-12 Network.

Cal and Stanford were scheduled to play Saturday, Nov. 17 at 4:30 p.m. in Berkeley. However, after extensive consultation with campus medical and environmental experts, the Pac-12 Conference and Stanford, UC Berkeley’s Chancellor, Carol Christ, and Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton concluded that the game should be postponed due to concerns for the health and well-being of student-athletes, staff, the band and student groups, and fans. 

While the campus's initial intention was to wait until Saturday to make a final decision, current air quality conditions provided by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and forecasts for the weekend are indicating that Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are unlikely to sufficiently improve by Saturday afternoon. The decision is consistent with guidelines established by the NCAA Sports Science Institute and the Pac-12's Health and Well-Being Board.

Cal has been in close contact with officials at Stanford and the Pac-12 and appreciates their support and understanding.

All tickets to the Nov. 17 game will be honored on Dec. 1, and fans should bring the tickets they currently have to gain entrance on the rescheduled date. Fans with questions should call (800) GO BEARS (462-3277) and press option 3.

Statement from Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton:

"We have been carefully tracking air quality in Berkeley and the Bay Area over the past week, relying on the best data and guidance available to us from medical and environmental experts. The forecasts we have received show a minimal chance of the improvement necessary to hold the game on Saturday. While we would have preferred to play the Big Game on its scheduled date, once we realized that air quality would likely not return to acceptable levels, we made the decision to postpone for the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, gameday staff, students, band and spirit groups, alumni and fans.

"So much of the Big Game experience includes the parties and tailgates with friends and family before and after the game with football as the centerpiece of a full day of celebration. While we used NCAA and Pac-12 air quality guidelines to help steer our decision, the well-being of our fans was also a key factor. We are fortunate that Cal and Stanford have an open date that works for both teams, and we are looking forward to hosting the Cardinal in two weeks.

"On behalf of the Cal Athletics community I also want to offer my prayers, support and condolences to those affected by the devastating wildfires in California, as well as my gratitude to the firefighters battling the blazes, the first-responders and the thousands who are providing support. We hope that the fires will soon be extinguished so that our friends, families and neighbors can begin the process of healing and recovery."