The Big Game Rescheduled to 12/1 Due to Air Quality Concerns

Statement from California Golden Bears Athletic Director 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.”