11/10/92

CONTACT: Stanford University News Service (650) 723-2558

Bonfire, pep rallies, concerts to mark Big Game Week

STANFORD -- A traditional bonfire, historical pep rally and concerts are among the events planned by Stanford University students to celebrate "Big Game Week" Nov. 15-21.

The festivities, coordinated by the Stanford Axe Committee, will serve as prelude to the annual Stanford vs. University of California-Berkeley football game, which kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Cal's Memorial Stadium. (The sold- out game may be televised live on ABC - check local listings.)

The bonfire rally, to begin around 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 on the Lagunita lakebed, will feature appearances by Stanford Head Football Coach Bill Walsh, new Stanford President Gerhard Casper, current and former Stanford football players, cheerleaders, singing groups and the Incomparable Leland Stanford Jr. University Marching Band.

The program will conclude with the lighting of a 50-foot dry-wood pyre at about 11 p.m. Flames typically reach 250 feet and are highlighted by aerial fireworks.

Among the other events planned for the week:

• The Stanford Band will hold its traditional "bearial march" at noon Monday, Nov. 16, in White Plaza. The event culminates each year with the impalement of a stuffed "Oski" bear atop the plaza fountain.
• The seventh annual Big Game Sing-Off, a fast-paced battle between a capella singing groups from both schools, will begin at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at Cal's Wheeler Hall. For ticket information call (510) 642-9988.
• A historical pep rally celebrating the 100th anniversary of Big Game will be held at 4:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in Stanford's Burnham Pavilion. The rich history of the game will be told by football stars from the past half-century, and old-time yell leaders will teach current students how to do the famous Axe yell. Admission is free.
• Big Game Gaieties, Stanford's annual student-written musical spoof of the Cal-Stanford rivalry, will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov.19, and at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, in Memorial Auditorium. This year's review is called "Achtung, Weenie!" Tickets - $7 for students, $10 general - are on sale in White Plaza.

A rock music concert will follow the last Gaieties performance, at about 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, in front of Memorial Auditorium.

More information is available from Stanford's Office of Student Activities, (415) 723-3542.

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