The primary and most historic athletic rival for the California Golden Bears football program is Stanford University, with whom they contest the legendary annual Big Game. This fierce cross-bay showdown is one of the oldest and most celebrated traditions in collegiate sports, culminating each season in the battle for the prestigious Stanford Axe. Additionally, Cal maintains intense regional rivalries with other historic conference opponents, but the deep cultural, academic, and athletic animosity shared with Stanford remains the ultimate focal point for the entire Golden Bears community.