Big Game (football)

Big Game (football) is the annual college football rivalry game between the University of California, Berkeley Golden Bears and Stanford University Cardinal. First contested in 1892, it is one of the oldest and most celebrated rivalries in college football and a central event in the broader Stanford–Berkeley rivalry. The game is traditionally played in late November and is known for its intense competition, unique traditions, and the coveted Stanford Axe trophy awarded to the winner.

History

The rivalry began on March 19, 1892, at San Francisco's Haight Street Grounds, where Stanford won the inaugural contest. The series quickly became a staple of Bay Area culture and athletics, with early games often held in San Francisco to accommodate large crowds. The rivalry intensified in the early 20th century, particularly after the introduction of the Stanford Axe as a trophy in 1933. The game has been played annually except for interruptions due to World War I, the 1918 flu pandemic, and World War II. Notable figures who have participated or coached in the Big Game include legendary Stanford coach Pop Warner, California coach Pappy Waldorf, and players like John Elway of Stanford and Aaron Rodgers of California.

Notable games

Several contests stand out in the series' long history. The 1924 "Wrong-Way" game saw California's Roy Riegels famously run 65 yards toward his own end zone, a play that contributed to a Stanford victory. The 1982 game, known for "The Play," ended with California's miraculous five-lateral kickoff return for a touchdown as time expired, famously narrated by Joe Starkey. In 1990, a 9–9 tie preserved Stanford's Pac-10 title hopes. The 2021 game, a dramatic 31–24 Stanford victory, featured a late goal-line stand to secure the Stanford Axe after California had won the previous two meetings.

Traditions

The week leading up to the Big Game, known as "Big Game Week," features numerous spirited events on both campuses. At Stanford, the tradition includes the "Gaieties" musical and a large bonfire rally. At California, students hold the "Bonfire Rally" at Memorial Stadium. The Stanford Band and the University of California Marching Band engage in comedic, often irreverent, performances and pranks. A central tradition is the theft and protection of the Stanford Axe, which has a storied history of student raids dating back to its creation.

Trophy

The victor of the Big Game claims custody of the Stanford Axe, a trophy consisting of a lumberman's axe head mounted on a large wooden plaque. The Axe was originally used by Stanford students in 1899 during a pep rally and was stolen by California students in 1930. After a series of thefts and negotiations, it was established as the official rivalry trophy in 1933. The plaque records the scores of each Big Game, and the winning school displays it prominently on campus, often at the Haas Pavilion for California or the Arrillaga Family Sports Center for Stanford.

Venues

The Big Game has been played at various locations, primarily alternating between the teams' home stadiums. Stanford's home games are held at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California, while California hosts at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. Early games were frequently held at neutral sites in San Francisco, including Kezar Stadium and the former Stanford Field. The 2011 game was played at AT&T Park due to renovations at Memorial Stadium.

Series results

As of 2023, Stanford leads the overall series. The Cardinal's dominance has been particularly pronounced since the turn of the 21st century, though California enjoyed a significant period of success under coaches like Jeff Tedford. The series has seen notable winning streaks, including a seven-game run by Stanford from 2009 to 2015. The outcome often has implications for Pac-12 standings and bowl game eligibility for both teams. Category:College football rivalries in the United States Category:Sports in the San Francisco Bay Area Category:Stanford Cardinal football Category:California Golden Bears football