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Cal Pregame Party

NBDefektor

Well-Known Member
All the talk of the Cal game on here has my group wondering about the whole Berkelely experience.

The football tix + pregame ticket runs $81 a piece ($30 for the pregame and $51 for the football ticket) and seems to include a meal and one (!) drink. i know there will be cheaper alternatives that that. I can't imagine this game selling out, so scalping might work. the thing i am wondering is how many Buffs will be at this pregame thing, or will there also be a presence at the bars in Berkeley where it won't be as restrictive. I'd rather get drunk at a bar interacting with fellow buffs and bears fans alike, rather than with 75-year-old alums that graduated back before color TVs were around (DBT?).

anyone know the area? i know there's supposed to be lots of buffs out there. who's down to mingle with the enemy?
 
I'm all for forgoing the official pregame. I have a feeling there is a big CU presence in the Bay Area.
 
FWIW: The bar scene in Berkeley is pretty ****ty. The only good college football bar I've found over there is the Bear's Lair, but it's on campus and I don't know how well it would work to roll in there with visitors' gear on. As much as I hate to admit it, I'll probably be finding out as I sure as hell am not going to the $30/beer pregame party hosted by CU.

La Val's might be a decent place if you've got the kids in tow. It's on the north side of campus (grad school mostly), has cheap and good (20+ taps) beer, big screens, and serviceable pizza. http://www.lavals.com/
1834 Euclid Ave
 
FWIW: The bar scene in Berkeley is pretty ****ty. The only good college football bar I've found over there is the Bear's Lair, but it's on campus and I don't know how well it would work to roll in there with visitors' gear on. As much as I hate to admit it, I'll probably be finding out as I sure as hell am not going to the $30/beer pregame party hosted by CU.

La Val's might be a decent place if you've got the kids in tow. It's on the north side of campus (grad school mostly), has cheap and good (20+ taps) beer, big screens, and serviceable pizza. http://www.lavals.com/
1834 Euclid Ave

GOing to the bears Lair or Lavas is asking for it in visitor gear, think walking into the SINK.
 
I don't get why people wouldn't want to be where the CU fans are going en masse and feel welcome? Why dig around for a competing venue?
 
I don't get why people wouldn't want to be where the CU fans are going en masse and feel welcome? Why dig around for a competing venue?

I am torn on this, if CU can get itself together and organize a real event it could be a blast. Reach out to NorcalBuffs, La, OC, and Sac. alumni Chapters and make sure the crowd is as big and diverse as possible then it would be stellar. But what they'll do is email the alumni association and the Buff Club and it will be it. Which means the crowd will be older, less diverse and 60% the size it could be.
 
I don't get why people wouldn't want to be where the CU fans are going en masse and feel welcome? Why dig around for a competing venue?

Because it's overpriced. Nothing they can do about it, and there's no way you can create an event that will appeal to the entire alumni population, but 30 bucks for a crappy meal, one beer, and a plastic chair in a cloistered environment is pretty steep for younger alums. These parties cater to the audience most likely to attend, and that's not young alums. Just a fact of life.
 
I have to admit that everything I've heard is that the tailgating opportunities around the Cal stadium are extremely limited. If we go, we might do the pre-organized thing, just to keep it simple.

Still waiting for airfare to drop into a more reasonable range. Has to be under $200 RT to make it worthwhile. It's not there yet.
 
I don't get why people wouldn't want to be where the CU fans are going en masse and feel welcome? Why dig around for a competing venue?

my thinking is, why not just experience the town and the people, rather than some cordoned-off area full of coloradans that feels just like an event near folsom? plus, as i mentioned, it's $81 for a mean, one drink and a game ticket. my flight up there actually costs less than that. which reminds me, if anyone from LA/SD is looking for flights, the prices have dropped from about $260 to $140 right now. check out kayak.com.

and also, like it's been mentioned elsewhere and above, there are probably going to be so many CU fans in and around town that we don't need to go to the pregame event to meet up with a lot of buffs. we'll need foreign dignitaries to show what exactly the pac-10 will be up against as far as rowdy, passionate fans when we (hopefully) join up with the conference.
 
Because it's overpriced. Nothing they can do about it, and there's no way you can create an event that will appeal to the entire alumni population, but 30 bucks for a crappy meal, one beer, and a plastic chair in a cloistered environment is pretty steep for younger alums. These parties cater to the audience most likely to attend, and that's not young alums. Just a fact of life.


This.

At the Miami game a few years ago, they had a set-up where it was around $30/PP. Well, with three of us, that would have been a $90 party, and that was just too pricey.
 
liver + 5--7 additional are going to 'gate with the enemy. about 30 of them. 6 or so Buffs v. 30+ bears. we may have to spot them a guy or two to make it fair.
 
Glad to see the Alumni Assoc. pulled their head out and dropped the price of the pregame party for this year. If y'all remember, it was $50/person (adults AND kids) for the event they put on down here in Austin last year.

That's exactly why our local club organized the "rogue" tailgate at the corner of 15th and Trinity. Most of us simply couldn't afford to pay the price and for only ONE drink? Please.

We fronted $$$$ for a bunch of sammiches and like 3 or 4 kegs of beer (even got a couple of places to donate 1 and multiple cases) charged $10 a head for all you could drink and eat. Result - broke even on cost, and had a donut hole of 200-300 CU fans clad in black and gold in the middle of a sea of burnt orange. Had a great time until Li'l Hawk threw that 3rd quarter pick six.:huh:

Point is, Alum. Assoc. needs to get more in touch with their membership. We're not all a bunch of people who make the $$$ to be 5-6 figure donor and can afford $50/head for a crappy "tailgate." I'd like to think our "rogueness" down here caused the drop in price.:smile2:
 
Glad to see the Alumni Assoc. pulled their head out and dropped the price of the pregame party for this year. If y'all remember, it was $50/person (adults AND kids) for the event they put on down here in Austin last year.

That's exactly why our local club organized the "rogue" tailgate at the corner of 15th and Trinity. Most of us simply couldn't afford to pay the price and for only ONE drink? Please.

We fronted $$$$ for a bunch of sammiches and like 3 or 4 kegs of beer (even got a couple of places to donate 1 and multiple cases) charged $10 a head for all you could drink and eat. Result - broke even on cost, and had a donut hole of 200-300 CU fans clad in black and gold in the middle of a sea of burnt orange. Had a great time until Li'l Hawk threw that 3rd quarter pick six.:huh:

Point is, Alum. Assoc. needs to get more in touch with their membership. We're not all a bunch of people who make the $$$ to be 5-6 figure donor and can afford $50/head for a crappy "tailgate." I'd like to think our "rogueness" down here caused the drop in price.:smile2:

I'm sure they price it like that for a reason. If you make it $10 all you can drink at the official pregame party and things get out of hand (I'm pretty sure they would), you've got yourself a big problem.
 
I'm sure they price it like that for a reason. If you make it $10 all you can drink at the official pregame party and things get out of hand (I'm pretty sure they would), you've got yourself a big problem.

And I agree with you on that. What I was trying to get at is that they need to do a better job of catering to their members and make it a worthwhile event/value to attend. Last year's $50 per man, woman, and CHILD for crappy BBQ (bad caterer) and one drink (beer, mixed, or SOFT DRINK) and the opportunity to see the cheerleaders for 10 minutes and a possible picture with Chip is ri-donk-ulously over priced.

At least the $30 tab this year is better. I think if they upped to 2 complimentary drinks it would be right where it needs to be for the clintele being served. I'd certainly go if I could afford the trip from Austin this year. We were purposely going after a younger crowd because that's the main demographic of our club down here and a lot of people would've liked to attend the Alumni Club deal but simply couldn't afford it.
 
And I agree with you on that. What I was trying to get at is that they need to do a better job of catering to their members and make it a worthwhile event/value to attend. Last year's $50 per man, woman, and CHILD for crappy BBQ (bad caterer) and one drink (beer, mixed, or SOFT DRINK) and the opportunity to see the cheerleaders for 10 minutes and a possible picture with Chip is ri-donk-ulously over priced.

At least the $30 tab this year is better. I think if they upped to 2 complimentary drinks it would be right where it needs to be for the clintele being served. I'd certainly go if I could afford the trip from Austin this year. We were purposely going after a younger crowd because that's the main demographic of our club down here and a lot of people would've liked to attend the Alumni Club deal but simply couldn't afford it.

Have you had this conversation with them directly?
 
Have you had this conversation with them directly?

Yep. Talked to the Alumni Reps about it at the Friday Night event at Maggie Mae's (which they threw on us at the last minute to find the place for them.)

Immediately got called the "rogue" tailgate (extensive advertising on FB and I saw some props here too - I joined AB after UT game) , but they were willing to listen a little bit. We told them our concerns above, that we had no underlying intention of undermining their effort and really did want to attend (a lot of questions were asked why the Austin Chapter wasn't represented at the pre-game) but the cost was too much for people who 1) are just out of college and in first job, and 2) families w/children (even a family of 4 would be another $200 - I'd have to pay for 5!) Plus, throw the crappy economy on top of it and there you go.

Austin Chapter recognized that there would be a lot of people coming in (who'd already spent a lot of $$$ to get to Austin) and wanted to get together with fellow Buffs but the tailgate was too much - those were the main motivators of our "rogue" tailgate. It came out great, and luckily, we had no huge incidents.

I also talked to them about finding rooms at just one hotel that were $219/night. I was impressed that there are choice between 2 this time, but one at $179 and the other at $159 doesn't provide alot of option in price - glad to see that the price is down, but a third "economy" option at like $99 a night probably could draw more.

Again, I'd like to think that some of this was a result of what happened last year and our discussion with them, but I'm sure most of it is driven by the economy.
 
Yep. Talked to the Alumni Reps about it at the Friday Night event at Maggie Mae's (which they threw on us at the last minute to find the place for them.)

Immediately got called the "rogue" tailgate (extensive advertising on FB and I saw some props here too - I joined AB after UT game) , but they were willing to listen a little bit. We told them our concerns above, that we had no underlying intention of undermining their effort and really did want to attend (a lot of questions were asked why the Austin Chapter wasn't represented at the pre-game) but the cost was too much for people who 1) are just out of college and in first job, and 2) families w/children (even a family of 4 would be another $200 - I'd have to pay for 5!) Plus, throw the crappy economy on top of it and there you go.

Austin Chapter recognized that there would be a lot of people coming in (who'd already spent a lot of $$$ to get to Austin) and wanted to get together with fellow Buffs but the tailgate was too much - those were the main motivators of our "rogue" tailgate. It came out great, and luckily, we had no huge incidents.

I also talked to them about finding rooms at just one hotel that were $219/night. I was impressed that there are choice between 2 this time, but one at $179 and the other at $159 doesn't provide alot of option in price - glad to see that the price is down, but a third "economy" option at like $99 a night probably could draw more.

Again, I'd like to think that some of this was a result of what happened last year and our discussion with them, but I'm sure most of it is driven by the economy.


Good more of us need to have these talks with them maybe they'll get it sooner or later, I am also glad they weren't totally dismissive and that they have at least partially address your concerns with 2 hotel options, and a lower tailgate price this time. I think they'd be shocked what resources they have in some of us fans.
 
liver + 5--7 additional are going to 'gate with the enemy. about 30 of them. 6 or so Buffs v. 30+ bears. we may have to spot them a guy or two to make it fair.

I know you live in socal, but if 6-8 Buffs can't outdrink 30 bears (especially if one of the buffs goes by Liver and has an ironclad set of drinking rules to live by).... It will be a sad day.
 
Good more of us need to have these talks with them maybe they'll get it sooner or later, I am also glad they weren't totally dismissive and that they have at least partially address your concerns with 2 hotel options, and a lower tailgate price this time. I think they'd be shocked what resources they have in some of us fans.

^^^^ This.

I think someone addressed this in a topic a while back, but you are so right about not addressing the possible untapped potential donors in the people I mentioned above. At this time, I'm lucky to be able to make a $100 donation with having wife + 3 growing (and I mean GROWING) boys.

But keep me interested during this time and show a little love (not asking for comped box seats at home games, although...:smile2:) and when I get the kids through school then that $100 might get another zero behind it and a first number >1 with Navy retirement and the empty nest kicking in.

Point is, the big donors are established and they aren't going anywhere (although that may have taken a hit this year by keeping Hawk) so put a little effort toward the potential donors out there that while we might have the big bucks now, when we hit our maximum earning potential in a few years - WHOA NELLIE! :thumbsup:
 
Good more of us need to have these talks with them maybe they'll get it sooner or later, I am also glad they weren't totally dismissive and that they have at least partially address your concerns with 2 hotel options, and a lower tailgate price this time. I think they'd be shocked what resources they have in some of us fans.

I have a feeling (or, hope at least) that things will also get a little better now that the AA is directly under the University instead of under the Foundation. I think a lot of the reason fans and alums don't get what they want is because no one coordinates so you get half-assed solutions from everyone. I know working at the AA was frustrating because you had to answer to the Foundation higher ups, to the University higher ups, and to the Athletic Department. Add in the real customers, the alums, and that's just too many masters to serve.
 
My CU pre-game experience is hit-miss.

Last year, the event in Morgantown was coordinated by our own Beltway. It was a blast. The CU faithful took over a restaurant and adjoining stripmall parking lot. Beer was plentiful and good times flowed from there.

After participating in two prior CU events in Austin, I went rogue. My first experience was held in a UT gymnasium. The next time around was held on a UT tennis court. The CU sponsored events were pretty sterile. This last time, the rogue event was much better. The rogue organizers hauled in a keg or two. The CU rogue tent was intermingled with UT fans. It was fun having the CU tailgate experience spill over and blur into the festivities of other groups. The social scene was a lot of fun. I'd have to be hard pressed to participate in the next organized CU event in Austin.

The last KU pre-game in Lawrence was okay. I'd do that one again.

When in Stillwater, there is Eskamo Joe's. There isn't enough interest for a major CU party, but there is a good mix of CU and local fan at Joe's. Two-for-Two. I'd go back again in a heartbeat.

CU's Norman and College Station events have been unnoteworthy. The facility is the standard tent in a less than prime spot on a field that might or might not be muddy. The next time I go to either of those towns, I'm going to explore the campus and find the crazy fans with the big smokers, abundant beer supply and HDTV satellite hook up.

For KSU/Baylor/Nebraska/Tech - the CU contingent is pretty small. Check out the boards prior to the game, see what's happening. Use the CU event, if there is one, as a starting place, and then go from there. These games are fun because you'll run into the parents of the players and get a real inside view of the program that is tough to replicate in Boulder.

I'm undecided on what to do in Berkeley. I need to be sold on the event. Where will it be relative to the tailgating hot spots? I'm curious to check out cheapskate hill and the area where the tree huggers hang out on game day. I'll want to get in Thurs night so that all of Friday can be dedicated to exploring the campus and the nearby watering holes. It's possible >5,000 CU fans will be on hand. There's bound to be some quality tail gating opportunities next to somebody's RV. Didn't sacky commit to throwing an Allbuff's event?

I can't wait for this game!
 
I know you live in socal, but if 6-8 Buffs can't outdrink 30 bears (especially if one of the buffs goes by Liver and has an ironclad set of drinking rules to live by).... It will be a sad day.

I think Liver is saying that those few Buff fans will so soundly outdrink, outfight and out**** those 30 ****ing organic beer drinking tree huggers (it feels good to use that term for another school for once) that we'll have to loan them a few of our guys to make it even. Same sentiment as yours, essentially.
 
First off it's a non-conference game in Berkeley so nothing will really be hostile unless you drive around in a red Hummer with a tree sticking out of the top. So basically any bar is fine pre-game but if you want a place where we can probably go and take over the bar, Henry's on Durant is close to the stadium and probably a good bet for that. I wrote up a few places to eat/drink around the stadium in the main thread but make sure you grab a dog or three at Top Dog. Tailgating scene isn't that great but most frats near the stadium do a parking+beer/grill deal if you decide to drive. They usually don't mind if you're an opposing fan as I saw a lot of that at the Cal-USC game last year.
 
First off it's a non-conference game in Berkeley so nothing will really be hostile unless you drive around in a red Hummer with a tree sticking out of the top. So basically any bar is fine pre-game but if you want a place where we can probably go and take over the bar, Henry's on Durant is close to the stadium and probably a good bet for that. I wrote up a few places to eat/drink around the stadium in the main thread but make sure you grab a dog or three at Top Dog. Tailgating scene isn't that great but most frats near the stadium do a parking+beer/grill deal if you decide to drive. They usually don't mind if you're an opposing fan as I saw a lot of that at the Cal-USC game last year.

It's worth noting that the atmosphere at cal games is pretty subdued. I got season tix a few years ago and decided it wasn't worth renewing since the games were so boring. This was when they were ranked in the top 5.
 
Pre game

If a lot of you guys are staying in San Francisco, it would also make sense to get to a bar that's close to BART.

There wouldn't be any CAL fans in the city and the BART right from downtown SF is about 15-17 minutes.

Also an option.
 
If a lot of you guys are staying in San Francisco, it would also make sense to get to a bar that's close to BART.

There wouldn't be any CAL fans in the city and the BART right from downtown SF is about 15-17 minutes.

Also an option.

I know people are meeting up at Jupiter in Berkeley. It's on Shattuck across from the downtown Berkeley BART station. Dave's or Sutter Station would be a reasonable San Francisco meet up place.
 
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