Royal Exchange

So, that was Friday night.  But then Saturday morning, after being out late, we all had to get up and prepare for the early morning tailgates.  Luckily, we had the breakfast of champions to get the partying started right:

I was actually surprised at how many people were out and about that early in the morning.  This is the 3rd or 4th 12:30 start time this year.  Generally, when you are out there at 9:30 or 10, the streets aren't bursting forth with Cal spirit.  But people were everywhere and EARLY today.  So many Cal people.  So much Cal tailgating.

I, for one, did not see a single Stanford fan between the age of like 13-43, up until much later.  The only Stanford fans I saw were either really old or their kids.  I eventually saw some between that age group, but they were few and far between. 

And all that Cal spirit was only enhanced by what was a gorgeous day.  I thought it was to be cold and was wearing a thermal, but it was actually very warm.  The sun broke through the clouds to create a GORGEOUS backdrop for the Campanile:

Yep, it was a great morning for tailgating.  The spreads were plentiful

There were even games of competitive spirit going on BEFORE the football game:

Find the ball!  Although sometimes disasters erupted:

Oh noes!

There was discussion of Big Games past:

This rolled by me on the way to the stadium.  I have never seen anything like this before in Berkeley:

Getting into the game, it was incredibly packed.  There were super long lines at the North entrance.  Yet again, they didn't check my bag on the way in.  I've brought two water bottles to each game.  Have yet to encounter a problem.

So, no problems entering even if a bit slow.  And then, we made our way over to the North Tunnel to check out the team during practice.

Some inactive players were signing autographs for youngsters:

Michael Calvin wasn't looking too good.  He was on crutches:

Then, they came running off the field.  Ready to slap some skin!

Coach Tedford hugging somebody:

Whew!  Lots of photos, lots of high fives with the players. 

Then, we headed to our seats.  Time for the Stanford Band:

Geishes there.  Better shot via TheNick:

They're so zany!

via TheNick

Of course, then the good band came out:

via TheNick

The Drum Major caught the baton.  Way to go, Frankie Garland!!

via TheNick

As per usual, Cal and Stanford came together to celebrate Umrica:

via Trisweb

This time there was also a moment of silence for Pete Newell.  During the moment of silence for Pete Newell and National Anthem, the kickers paid attention:

Adam Duritz:

via TheNick

The players came running out with some doing their usual prayers:

And with that pomp and circumstance over, the game was UNDERWAY!!  Go Bears!