Tightwad Hill

Tightwad Hill
Berkeley ,  CA  94720

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Tightwad Hill is the popular name for Charter Hill, the hill rising to the east of California Memorial Stadium at the University of California, Berkeley. Tightwad Hill is so named as it affords a free view of the stadium's field, allowing fans of the Golden Bears to see the game live, even if the stadium is sold out or if they don't want to buy tickets. The hill usually has its occupants, even when the stadium sports empty seats.

Tightwad Hill is part of Charter Hill, the area behind campus that also encompasses the Big "C". Tightwad Hill rises steeply about 100 feet above the east rim of the stadium, to a relatively flat area where spectators perch. Created when Memorial Stadium was built in 1923, Tightwad Hill was created from the dirt removed during the excavation of lower Strawberry Canyon. The first time fans were seen on the hill for Cal games was during the very first game at Memorial Stadium, a 9-0 win over Stanford, on November 24th, 1923. Since then, U.C. Berkeley students, staff, faculty, and the public have enjoyed fall days on the Hill, cheering for the Golden Bears and enjoying the view of the U.C. campus, downtown Berkeley, and the central San Francisco Bay.

There are and have been many unique features on the hill over the years. Some of the current items include:

- A bench that was built in a tree in the 1980's. (sadly, the "Tree Bench" was lost prior to the 2015 season a falling tree took it out)

- Trash cans and recycling bins to help keep the hill looking spotless following games

- Terraces formed into the steep hillside to facilitate seating

- "The Tightwad Country Club", which is the seating area below the Tightwad Hill sign

- "The Pit", which is an area filled with broken glass below the lowest seating area on the main part of the Hill.

In 2006, the Regents of the University of California began considering a major renovation of Memorial Stadium. One plan proposed the construction of a new seating structure, the so-called "Eastside Seating Structure" on the promenade on the east side of the stadium. If this were to be built, it could block views of the field from Tightwad Hill, possibly eliminating this unusual and colorful tradition. An organization called "Save Tightwad Hill" sued the University, claiming that the Environmental Impact Report for the Stadium project did not adequately analyze the impacts of the planned improvements on historic resources and scenic views. The group eventually settled with the University. Under the terms of the agreement the University agreed in concept to preserve Tightwad Hill as an important Cal Football tradition, and to include representatives of Tightwad Hill in the design process for east side improvements.

Tightwad Hill celebrated its 90th Anniversary in 2013.

The greatest place to watch a football game on the planet since 1923!