The Big Game is the annual football game between Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley (known simply as "Cal"), held in late November or early December. The first Big Game was held in March 19 1892 on San Francisco's Haight Street grounds when Stanford beat Cal 14-10. It is the tenth longest rivalry in NCAA Division 1A football. Stanford leads the series record at 55-44-11 (wins-losses-ties). Stanford won the most recent (2007) Big Game, after a series of five wins by Cal (2002-2006). The location of the game alternates between the two schools each year. In even numbered years, the game is played at Berkeley; in odd numbered years, at Stanford.

In the week before the game, both schools celebrate the occasion with rallies, reunions and luncheons. Cal students hold a traditional pep rally and bonfire at the Greek Theatre on the eve of the game, while Stanford students stage the Gaieties, a theatrical production that both celebrates and pokes fun at the rivalry. The week also includes various other athletic events including The Big Splash (water polo) and The Big Freeze (ice hockey). The overall athletic rivalry between the schools has been solidified into The Lexus Gauntlet, an annual award given to the school winning the most rivalries and championships under a point system.