California Memorial Stadium

The California Memorial Stadium is a university arena on the University of California campus in Berkeley, recognizable by its neoclassical facade with columns and arched openings along the west side. The stands surround the playing field in an oval shape and offer seating for over 62,000 spectators.

John Galen Howard designed the arena in 1923 as a memorial for fallen university students. More than 90 years later, the structure was fundamentally rebuilt to improve earthquake safety and add modern facilities.

The name recalls students from World War I, while the arena comes alive today mainly during California Golden Bears games. The rivalry with Stanford draws generations of alumni and families who gather in the stands.

Access is mainly from Piedmont Avenue, where entrances are distributed across multiple levels. The renovation added elevators and wider walkways that make reaching different areas easier.

Above the eastern section lies Tightwad Hill, a slope where spectators gather to watch games without a ticket. From the highest rows, the view stretches to San Francisco Bay, which appears behind the stands in the distance.

Location: California

Architects: John Galen Howard

Official opening: September 1, 2012

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture, modern architecture

Capacity: 62467

Address: 2227 Piedmont Ave, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

Website: https://calbears.com/sports/2020/6/18/california-memorial-stadium.aspx

GPS coordinates: 37.87111,-122.25083

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:36