UC Berkeley Golden Bears football returns to California Memorial Stadium for the 2026 season with home games against UCLA, Clemson, Wagner, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Stanford, and Pittsburgh. The season features nationally televised night games and traditional Big Game rivalry contests. The historic stadium on the UC Berkeley campus provides an iconic setting for watching college football.

2026 Home Games

Non-Conference Opponents:

  • UCLA (September 5) - Season opener
  • Wagner (September 19)
  • Virginia Tech (October 3)
  • Wake Forest (October 17)

Conference & Non-Conference Opponents:

  • Clemson (September 25) - ACC opponent, Friday night ESPN game, 7:30 p.m.
  • Stanford (November 21) - Non-conference Big Game, traditional rivalry
  • Pittsburgh (November 28) - ACC opponent, Season finale

Notable 2026 Matchups

UCLA Game (September 5) The season opens with one of college football’s greatest rivalries. Cal vs. UCLA is a historic matchup between two premier West Coast programs with deep history and passionate fan bases.

Clemson (September 25) A major non-conference matchup featuring the Tigers under the lights at California Memorial Stadium. Night games showcase the stadium’s dramatic setting and create an electric atmosphere.

Stanford Big Game (November 21) The 129th Big Game between Cal and Stanford is California football’s most important rivalry. The Big Game alternates between Berkeley and Palo Alto, with the 2026 game in Berkeley.

California Memorial Stadium

The stadium, completed in 1923, is one of college football’s historic venues. The distinctive architecture of the stadium and its hillside location overlooking the Berkeley campus and Bay Area create a unique game-day atmosphere. Renovations in recent years have improved facilities while preserving the stadium’s historic character.

Capacity: Approximately 61,500 Location: 2600 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley, CA

Attending Games

Getting There: BART (Ashby or Downtown Berkeley stations) provides convenient access on game days, with special shuttle service often running to the stadium. Street parking is limited; many fans use BART or park in neighborhoods and walk. Bike parking is available.

Ticketing: Individual game tickets and season tickets are available through CalBears.com, the ticket office, or by phone at (510) 642-9988. Popular games (especially UCLA and Stanford) sell out, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

Game Day Experience: California Memorial Stadium offers premium and general seating. Concessions are available throughout the venue. The stadium’s open-air design means weather can vary; dress in layers. Games typically last 3-4 hours.

2026 Season Overview

The 2026 campaign marks the start of Cal’s new era following program changes. The team features home games against elite non-conference opponents and conference rivals, with several nationally televised contests. For fans of college football and UC Berkeley athletics, the 2026 season offers compelling matchups.

For More Information

Current game times, ticket availability, parking information, and team details are available at CalBears.com, the official UC Berkeley athletics website.

Attending a Cal football game at California Memorial Stadium combines world-class college athletics with the distinctive Berkeley campus atmosphere and Bay Area setting.