Photo credit: gostanford.com
By: Ana Kieu
PALO ALTO–I know a lot of college football fans in the Bay Area were looking forward to the 2018 Big Game between the Stanford Cardinal and California Golden Bears at Memorial Stadium this Saturday, but that fun-filled day will have to wait as the heavy smoke from the devastating wildfires in Butte County has significantly worsened the air quality throughout Northern California. The game has been rescheduled for Dec. 1 at noon PT on the Pac-12 Network.
Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics, Bernard Muir, said in a statement: “The entire Stanford Athletics community recognizes this has been an extremely challenging time for so many people who have been affected by the wildfires, both in the Bay Area and throughout the state. Our thoughts are with them, first and foremost. We are thankful to the University of California for collaborating with us on the logistical challenges of rescheduling the Big Game, and are looking forward to playing the game on Dec. 1.”
The Big Game was originally scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 pm PT in Berkeley, Calif. However, after further consultation with campus medical and environmental experts, the Pac-12 Conference and Stanford, UC Berkeley’s Chancellor, Carol Christ, and Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton concluded that the game should be postponed due to concerns for the health and well-being of student-athletes, staff, the band, student groups, and fans.
While the initial intention was to wait until Saturday to make a final decision, current air quality conditions provided by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and forecasts for the weekend are indicating that AQI (Air Quality Index) levels are unlikely to improve by Saturday afternoon. The decision was consistent with guidelines established by the NCAA Sports Science Institute and the Pac-12’s Health and Well-Being Board.
All tickets to the Nov. 17 game will be honored on Dec. 1, and fans should bring the tickets they currently have to gain entrance on the rescheduled date. Fans with questions should call (800) STANFORD and press option 4.
Since 1892, Stanford and Cal have met 120 times, including each of the last 71 years dating back to a three-year gap during World War II (1943-45). The Cardinal holds the all-time series lead 63-46-11 in the Big Game, and has won a series-record eight in a row over the Bears.
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