Cal Football announces changes to Memorial Stadium

Cal Athletics is making some changes to Memorial Stadium for the upcoming season. These changes will be to better enhance the fan experience at Memorial Stadium.

First, Metal Detectors will be added to the security at every gate. This is for the security and peace of mind for all fans. It is recommended that fans arrive ahead of their usual arrival time to account for extra step of security. Metal detectors have already been implemented at Haas Pavilion for basketball games last season and at the Greek Theatre as well. The Clear Bag Policy also remains in effect and you can find the specifics below in the release

Second, Beer and Wine sales will be increasing to a total of 8 point of sales throughout the stadium. Currently, the only areas with alcohol sales are Tailgate Town at Maxwell Field and the Beer Garden on Goldman Plaza inside the stadium. The sales will not be near the student section, The Bench, and will not be allowed in the student section. Sales will also end at the beginning of the third quarter. Attendees over the age of 21 can obtain wristbands, to purchase Beer and Wine, from ID kiosks that will be located throughout the stadium

Take a look at the full release below.

BERKELEY – Cal fans can expect a number of enhancements to their gameday experience when they visit California Memorial Stadium this fall to attend Golden Bear football games.

Among the changes being implemented are the addition of metal detectors to screen for prohibited items at all entrances to the facility, expanded beer and wine service, and new fan assistance booths to help guests with any questions they may have during visits to the stadium.

Earlier this summer, Cal Athletics announced a number of activities, promotions and giveaways for the 2019 season, including the return of pregame concerts at Tailgate Town, bobbleheads for the Oregon State and USC games, and the largest t-shirt toss ever in the Bay Area for the North Texas contest.

Metal Detectors

Fans are encouraged to arrive early for games to allow time to pass through metal detectors that will be stationed at each gate. The detectors, also knowns as magnetometers, were in use for basketball games at Haas Pavilion last season and are present at other venues on campus, including at the Greek Theatre. Major stadiums and arenas throughout the Bay Area and the majority of Pac-12 schools also employ the devices.

Fans are reminded that Cal’s clear bag policy remains for all home events. Approved bags include:

 Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches

 One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags

 Small clutch bags approximately the size of a hand may be carried separately or within a plastic bag

 For more information, including a list of permitted and prohibited items, click here.

In addition, Cal Athletics will maintain a bag check on Piedmont Avenue at the bottom of the Haas Grand Staircase (near the bear statue). Bag check will be available three hours prior to kickoff.

Expanded Beer and Wine

As part of its continuing effort to improve the gameday experience for ticket holders, Cal Athletics will also be expanding service for beer and wine at select locations inside California Memorial Stadium during the football season.

In previous years, beer and wine have been available at Tailgate Town, in the beer garden on Lisa and Douglas Goldman Plaza, and in the various club spaces. Beginning this season, fans will be able to purchase beer and wine at eight stand-alone locations around Memorial Stadium. Over 21+ wristbands will be required to purchase, possess or consume alcohol and will be issued with a valid ID to patrons 21 and over at ID kiosks inside the venue.

Prior to making this decision, Cal Athletics consulted and collaborated with numerous departments and organizations on campus. Cal reached out to other schools, as well, to discuss best practices and results, and received feedback showing that offering beer and wine inside stadiums can lead to reduced alcohol- related incidents and reduced binge drinking at tailgates.

All staff involved in the sale of alcohol will be trained using TEAM (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) Coalition best practices. A designated-driver program will be implemented to promote responsible behavior, and fans are expected to abide by the Memorial Stadium Code of Conduct at all times.

Although beer and wine will now be sold inside the stadium, alcohol will not be allowed in the student section or in a designated family seating area (section VV). Cal will regularly monitor and evaluate the fan and gameday experience, with beer and wine sales scheduled to end at the beginning of the third quarter (subject to change).

“Many of our ticket holders have told us that they would like additional locations for the purchase of beer and wine during our events,” Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton said. “At the same time, it is imperative that we continue to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all of our fans in a family-friendly environment. We have been deliberate in our planning, meeting with numerous colleagues and subject-area experts on campus over the past several months, and then implementing best practices based on their guidance, as well as research and evaluation of how the best stadiums manage alcohol sales. While we have confidence in the systems we are putting in place to manage sales and consumption, we will not hesitate to make appropriate adjustments if needed.”

More than 60 Football Bowl Subdivision schools offer beer at football games, including Pac-12 members Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon and Oregon State, and the NCAA approved beer sales at championship events in 2018.

Fan Assistance Booths

The new fan assistance booths will be stationed in and around Memorial Stadium near most entry gates, and they will be open from pregame through the start of the third quarter. Fan assistance personnel will be trained to help guests with:

 General assistance with directions, questions and complaints

 ADA questions

 Stadium information and policies

 Maps, schedules, Cal Athletics information and campus information

In addition, a new plan for shuttles and golf carts has been developed to assist stadium guests. Due to construction in downtown Berkeley, the express BART shuttle stop has moved to the West Crescent entrance to campus. After the game, golf carts will go to one of two shuttle pickup locations to allow them to service more patrons in a shorter amount of time.

What do you think about the changes? Let us know in the comments below!