My husband grew up in a college town where attending sporting events was the obvious answer to any family's need for cheap, wholesome entertainment. Since our kids have passed through the toddling stage, he's enlightened me on the value of the Cal athletic department in our own backyard; my family has been to basketball games, baseball games, soccer and rugby matches, and gymnastics meets, many of which are free for them to attend.
Which Cal Sports Are Free For Families?
Some sports are ticketed (Baseball, Football, Gymnastics, Soccer, Rugby, Volleyball, and Basketball) and others are free admission always.
The free sports are generally what the athletic world calls Olympic sports: Track and Field and Swimming and Diving events. Also free are Men's Gymnastics, Rowing, Tennis, Golf, Lacrosse, and Women's Water Polo.
Where Can you Watch Athletic Events for Cal teams?
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There are various fields, stadiums, and aquatic centers on and around the campus.
At the Haas Pavillion, home to Gymnastics, Basketball, and Volleyball, kids enjoy scrambling around on the bleachers when they get antsy at the event. There's plenty of room for them to do that.
At the Rugby Stadium up on Rim Way, behind the football stadium, you'll find a beer garden and refreshments, including warm pretzels. The Softball field is just beyond Rugby.
The Baseball Field, Evans Diamond, is on campus, and conveniently located near the food options on Oxford in Downtown Berkeley.
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Swimming, Diving, and Water Polo are at two aquatic centers off of Bancroft Way.
Soccer and Track and Field are located at Edwards Stadium, which is at Fulton Street and Bancroft Way.
Where to Park for Cal Events
Plan to park in a paid lot as street parking is generally limited to two hours or metered in the streets around the Cal Campus. There is a multi-story parking lot on Channing and Telegraph that we like. Downtown Berkeley BART is a good option for going to Haas Pavillion, Edwards Stadium, or Evans Field, but the walk is long enough that you'll want a stroller for toddlers.
What about Cal Bears Football?
Football is a much larger and more expensive event. We've put all our football tips — including parking in one article about taking kids to Cal football games.
Here are upcoming Cal Athletics events to consider:
Cal Bears Athletics Calendar >
Related: While on campus, take a ride to the top of the Campanile.
Heather Flett says
This is incredible. I grew up not ever going to stuff like this so I don’t think of it. Thank you!
Marc Newman says
Cal tennis is also free and only a block from downtown BART. Easy to sit just feet away from future pros.
Eva says
We love supporting the women’s sports – volleyball and basketball tickets are inexpensive and you get to sit really close if you get there a little early.