California (Berkeley, CA)

Distance from California Memorial Stadium: 15 Miles

Address: 1 Airport Dr, Oakland, CA 94621

Airlines:Advanced Air, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JSX, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris Airlines.

Located just one block from campus, this boutique hotel embraces Cal spirit with vintage décor, cozy rooms, and Golden Bear nostalgia. It’s the go-to stay for alumni and fans who want to be steps from the action.

Situated downtown near the BART station, this upscale historic hotel mixes modern comfort with classic architecture. It’s close to restaurants, shopping, and transit for exploring San Francisco after the game.

• Plan for hills. Memorial Stadium sits high in the Berkeley Hills, so wear comfortable shoes — and take in the incredible view once you reach the top. The sight of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge behind the scoreboard is unmatched in college football.

• Tailgating, Cal-style. Tailgating is more laid-back here than at other Big Ten schools — think wine, gourmet snacks, and scenic picnics instead of parking-lot chaos. Fans gather at Kroeber Plaza or Sproul Plaza, and Greek houses often host pregame socials.

• Public transit beats parking. Driving near campus can be a headache, especially on game days. Take BART (get off at Downtown Berkeley) or ride-share up to Piedmont Avenue to avoid the hills.

• Watch The Cal Band Run. A longstanding pregame tradition, the Cal Band literally sprints into Memorial Stadium before kickoff, kicking off “Fight for California” as fans roar.

• Stay late for the Alma Mater. After the game, fans link arms to sing “All Hail Blue and Gold” — a unifying moment that closes out every home Saturday.

• Check the weather. Early-season games can be hot and sunny, but once the fog rolls in from the Bay, it cools down fast. Bring layers.

California Memorial Stadium is located at 2227 Piedmont Ave, Berkeley, CA 94720

Directions, road closures, parking maps and more can be found at the official venue website below.

Top Dog
A Berkeley institution known for its legendary hot dogs grilled to perfection. It’s been fueling Cal students and fans since 1966 — grab a Polish or German Frank with spicy mustard before heading up the hill.

Jupiter
Located downtown near the BART station, Jupiter is a bustling craft brewery and beer garden known for its wood-fired pizzas and lively atmosphere. The outdoor patio and string lights make it one of Berkeley’s best hangouts on a crisp fall evening.

Cheeseboard Pizza Collective
Only one kind of pizza is served each day, but that’s all you’ll need — Cheeseboard’s rotating daily menu and fresh vegetarian ingredients have made it a Berkeley legend. The line moves fast, and there’s usually a band playing out front.

Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen
Craving something heartier? Angeline’s brings New Orleans to the Bay with gumbo, fried catfish, and classic beignets. It’s a fan favorite for a pre- or postgame dinner with flavor and energy.

Comal
Just off Shattuck Avenue, Comal offers upscale Mexican fare and cocktails in a stylish, open-air setting. Perfect for alumni dinners or relaxed postgame meetups with friends.

The iconic 307-foot bell tower defines the Berkeley skyline. Take the elevator to the top for sweeping views of the Bay Area — you’ll even spot the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day.

The heartbeat of the city’s culture, filled with vintage bookstores, record shops, street performers, and Cal merch stands. Telegraph is the ultimate pregame walk for soaking in the college-town vibe.

Trendy boutiques, cafes, and artisan stores make this a popular spot for visitors. Grab a coffee and stroll through this charming district that perfectly captures Berkeley’s mix of sophistication and creativity.