Bad Air Quality Postpones Cal-Stanford 'Big Game' Saturday

PALO ALTO, CA -- Poor air quality from the Camp Fire that has enshrouded the San Francisco Bay Area and closed both campuses has impacted the world of sports -- postponing Saturday's "big game" between the Palo Alto Cardinal and UC Berkeley to Dec. 1.

The 121st meeting -- the second time in history it's been canceled -- was supposed to be hosted by Cal at Memorial Stadium in the East Bay. The game will kick off at noon on Dec. 1. and be televised on Pac-12 Network.

After extensive 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 and student groups and fans.

Current air quality conditions provided by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and forecasts for the weekend have indicated the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are unlikely to sufficiently improve by Saturday afternoon. The game was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. The decision is 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. 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 that was waged between 1943-45. The rivalry is such that 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.

"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," Director of Athletics Bernard Muir said.

Click here for real-time air quality readings.

--Image via Shutterstock