<p>I am deciding between Cal and UCLA at the moment and am a big sports fan. I already know that UCLA football and basketball games are huge events for students but i have never been to any cal sporting events as i am from la. could someone explain how important or unimportant football and basketball games are, i.e. if a lot of people go etc.???</p>
<p>Cal football is big too</p>
<p>As a UCLA lifetime member alumni (who was around during the John Wooden years) and mom of a Cal sophmore (and member of the Cal Rally Committee), let me try answering this one, since I’ve been to a zillion UCLA football & basketball games, and many, many Cal games, both here in LA and at Berkeley.</p>
<p>Whew! </p>
<p>If you like college football more than basketball, Cal is for you. I know they’re going to close Memorial Stadium soon to revamp, but having a football stadium right on campus at Cal is 10,000 times better than having to get on a bus (or drive) to the Rose Bowl. Cal has much more spirit, and, frankly, are the better team. I love the Bruins, but you have to learn to have a great sense of humor when it comes to their football team.</p>
<p>On the other hand, being at Pauley Pavillion is an event in itself, even if the UCLA basketball team loses. It’s right there on campus, and the teams in recent years have really given it their all. Cal’s Haas Pavillion, though, is pretty nice too, and their girl’s basketball team rules!</p>
<p>I guess if it comes down to sports, I hate to say this, but between the school spirit and Cal’s Rally Committee, Cal wins.</p>
<p>Both schools have dedicated fan bases, so I wouldn’t base your decision off that. I would disagree with the above poster that Cal “wins” in school spirit (apparently you haven’t seen the camp-outs for UCLA basketball seats EVERY game…not tickets, SEATS). UCLA students take a lot of pride in going to the school that was First to 100 NCAA Titles, and one difference is that we’re more laid-back fans (as in we don’t boo our own athletes). But Cal fans are definitely raucous, and their basketball team is quickly improving, so those promise to be a blast in coming years. </p>
<p>I actually love going to the Rose Bowl. Sure, it stinks to have to commute (though rooter buses are provided for students), but how many people can say they spent their college years cheering on their team at the ROSE BOWL (aka The Granddaddy of 'em All)?! Games are a blast, and it’s pretty awesome to be out there with a packed house (capacity is over 90,000). Memorial Stadium is of course a beautiful place to see a game too though; the views of the Bay are gorgeous.</p>
<p>I’d say both schools definitely share a love of sports, though I think more students participate in intramurals and exercise at UCLA (based on the fact that the gym is always packed and most people just look very fit). But I really wouldn’t base your decision off of sports; they’re so close, you’ll have a great time wherever you go.</p>
<p>^^ You’ve made some very good points.</p>
<p>I will say, I don’t mind going to the Rose Bowl because it’s a cool place and my husband and I (who met at UCLA) can kick back during tailgate and afterwards on Colorado and have our respective brews.</p>
<p>What I just can’t figure out with either UC is why on earth can’t we have alcoholic beverages AT THE GAME?!</p>
<p>^^^Hahah, the question for the ages!</p>
<p>probably something to do with the law and being around not only kids, but also students who aren’t legally allowed to drink. think of it in comparison to not being able to smoke in high school on campus as a senior. (at least you couldn’t do it in any of the high schools where i lived).</p>
<p>Both schools offer the enthusiastic sports fan plenty of opportunities to root for their teams. Although UCLA football is down & Cal is up, that can always change. Four years ago, UCLA couldn’t give away enough tickets to fill Pauley Pavilion. Four years from now, Cal BB might be selling out every game. For now though, Cal is probably more fun for the football fan and UCLA is probably more fun for the BB fan. Both schools excel at various other non-revenue sports. Cal men’s water polo always manages to be in the hunt for an NCAA championship and Cal also has a top Rugby team. Everyone at Berkeley can walk to the games and that creates a nice collegiate sports atmosphere, which is definitely better than sitting in LA traffic to get to the Rose Bowl. Choose the town you want to live in because you will have fun rooting for your team whether it is the Bears or the Bruins.</p>
<p>I am a current member of the UC Rally Committee at Berkeley. While I haven’t attended all that many UCLA sporting events, I will tell you this: At Cal you will have a great opportunity to participate in school spirit and feel part of the action. For football, Cal students stand on the 50 yard line, one of the only schools in the nation to do so (UCLA students are between about the 15 and an end zone). For men’s basketball, Cal students are guaranteed court side seats for every game while at UCLA students have to enter a lottery for tickets.</p>
<p>The following is a shameless plug for Rally Comm, but if you should decide to come to Cal it is an amazing way to enjoy athletic events. As I freshman this past year, I had the opportunity to fire the California Victory Cannon (it sits in Tightwad Hill - we fire it after every touchdown and victory), be on the sidelines for two entire football games while holding spirit signs, lead the band and alumni from Sproul Plaza up to Memorial Stadium, and wave the Cal flags on the field (including during a bowl game on ESPN :)). So you really have the opportunity to be involved.</p>
<p>If you have any other questions about Cal or Rally Comm, feel free to contact me. Go Bears! Beat the Bruins! :)</p>