<p>Hi, I come from the midwest area where we have MSU and U of M where almost everyone goes to the games on saturdays and that sports is a big deal. Is this the same at Cal?</p>
<p>The sports atmosphere here at Cal doesn’t compare to many of the traditional powerhouses. There is a bit of added excitement on game day, but you don’t really have the all-day tailgating, smell of BBQ in the air, masses of people, electricity in the air stuff that one gets when visiting a Michigan, Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, USC, etc.</p>
<p>Hmm…USC? I’d challenge that. Cal has a pretty big football following, and I think game days are very exciting, mostly thanks to Memorial Stadium’s location right on campus and right next to frat row. Obviously, all the teams you listed are better, but I think Cal has comparable spirit and energy.</p>
<p>Go to a UCLA football game. Most boring experience of your life.</p>
<p>Game days are pretty great here. There ARE masses of people everywhere, BBQs and beer are everywhere on frat row and there is a ton of school spirit and rivalry. Big game my freshman year was one of the best, most memorable days I’ve had at Cal. It’s a big school, so it is possible to avoid the football hysteria if you want. But if you want to be a part of it, you will be pretty satisfied here.</p>
<p>too bad they’ve moved all cal football games to candlestick for the 2011 season</p>
<p>ok cuz i was worried it wouldn’t be the same, coming from an atmosphere where sports are absolutely HUGE. i mean michigan state basketball is just ridiculous and i don’t want to lose that sense going to a school outside of the big10</p>
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<p>Yes, USC. The atmosphere throughout the campus and the tone of the student body towards the team does not compare. It’s not even close. If you gather a consensus of college football fans, I can guarantee you’ll find the same thing. </p>
<p>The excitement towards sports at Cal is minimal compared to other, traditional athletic powers. There is no argument that can be made.</p>
<p>you’re definitely going to lose basketball. lmao. </p>
<p>and for this next year, you’re not gonna have a lot of football excitement either because our home stadium is away next year. I kinda want to buy tickets because I heard they’re paying for BART/travel fees?
And unless Cal gets better, I think gamedays may just get more and more lame lol.
Unless…“What do you do if you win? Party! What do you do if you lose? Party harder!”</p>
<p>@hippo50</p>
<p>Phew! You are rather defensive. Chill! :P</p>
<p>I dunno, I’ve been to maaaaaany USC home games and I’ve always found the excitement very comparable to games at Cal. I’m not arguing that Cal has a bigger sports following, but I do think the energy at games is comparable. We are in the Pac-10, which kind of automatically makes things exciting. So yes, I am making that argument. ;)</p>
<p>Also, I’m not sure what you mean by “traditional” athletic powers, because Cal definitely has quite an athletic history…nothing to scoff at. Our football team was established in 1886, two years before USC’s team. And for the record, we have 6 more varsity teams than USC.</p>
<p>Obviously USC is much better than us. But…just sayin’.</p>
<p>Also,</p>
<p>@lonesoul</p>
<p>Only the opening game is at Candlestick. The rest of the home games next year will be at AT&T Park.</p>
<p>well, I was saying that the games are no longer close by. They’re in frisco for this year</p>