Section S at California Memorial Stadium

(2026 Review) - Single-Bowl Layout: One continuous seating bowl with more than 70 rows, so your experience comes down to row placement and which side of the field you pick.  East Side Student Energy: Cal students fill sections R–SS with the Cal band at the front of Section RR — loud and high-energy, especially for rivalry or close games.  West Side Comfort: Sections adjacent to premium seating on the west side have bench seats with backs and concourse access near Row 30.  Know Before You Buy: East-side seats are backless benches, and you enter at the top row — with roughly 75 rows, seats near the top of the bowl save your knees.  Shade & Sightlines: On the west side, Row 35 and above gets the best sightlines and shade for most of the game.  Who Should Sit Here  The sidelines at California Memorial Stadium suit fans who want to choose their vibe. If you thrive on crowd energy and don't mind standing for big moments, the east-side student sections are for you. If you'd rather have a backrest, easier access, and shade, the west sideline is the more comfortable pick for a relaxed gameday.  Sideline Seating Details  The stadium is a single bowl with over 70 rows on each sideline. On the east side, sections R–SS are the student area, with the Cal band positioned at the front of Section RR. East-side sections are entered at the top row, meaning you walk down into your seats. On the west side, sections next to the premium seating let you reach the concourse near Row 30 rather than climbing the entire bowl.  Views from the Sidelines  Both sidelines give you the length of the field. On the east side, seats higher up the bowl actually deliver better-than-expected views, so sitting near the top is a smart trade-off given the climb. On the west side, Row 35 and above offers the best sightlines of the sideline.  Sun & Shade  For the most comfortable afternoon, head to the west sideline and aim for Row 35 or higher — you'll be shaded for the majority of the game while keeping strong sightlines.