BERKELEY – California Athletics has announced a new partnership with Van Wagner Productions, a global sports entertainment and live event production agency. Van Wagner will help elevate the in-venue experience for California football and basketball, focusing on game presentation, bringing big-arena energy and more ways for fans to get involved from pregame through the final whistle.

For decades, Van Wagner Productions has helped turn college games into can't-miss experiences. The team plans the show from the first drumbeat to the final whistle. Every timeout has a purpose, every moment invites fans to be part of the action, and every game feels uniquely Cal. The goal is simple: make it more fun to show up, stay engaged, and come back, while helping the program grow attendance, revenue, and visibility on TV.

"I received a lot of feedback early on about our overall game day experience," California Football General Manager Ron Rivera said. "Under (Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director, External Relations) Beth Tafolla-Voetsch's leadership, we have partnered with Van Wagner to ensure a great experience for our fans at California Memorial Stadium and Haas Pavillion, one that is entertaining and has them coming back."

As part of the partnership, Van Wagner will collaborate with Cal Athletics to introduce new game day elements that celebrate Golden Bear traditions, refresh music and create more ways for fans to participate throughout the game. The aim is a more energetic, more engaged and more connected atmosphere at Cal events, and a show that also looks great on TV.

"We are thrilled to partner with California Athletics. Van Wagner exists to make every moment in-venue feel intentional, connected, and unmistakably Cal," said Bob Becker, President of Van Wagner Productions. "Our team will help build a consistent, high-energy show that showcases student-athletes, amplifies Golden Bear traditions, and gives fans reasons to arrive early, stay loud, and come back."

Cal Athletics will continue to prioritize three focal points—revenue generation, increased attendance, and increased television viewership. This partnership will build on recent steps like new TV programming shows to boost fan engagement and visibility.  Cal Football has increased its regional visibility by introducing a weekly television show, Inside Cal Football, on NBC Sports Bay Area every Thursday evening, along with a new pregame (Cal Football Countdown) and postgame (Cal Football Wrap Up) show live from the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Plaza before each home game.

Under Rivera, who became Cal football's general manager in March, the program has already made significant strides in these areas. "We have already taken steps to grow in these critical areas," he said. "Beth and our team will continue to focus on fast-tracking such successes even more."

About Van Wagner: 

Van Wagner Productions—the live event presentation and production division of Van Wagner—leads in creating unforgettable in-venue experiences for sports and beyond. For more than 50 years, Van Wagner has partnered with world-class teams, leagues, colleges, properties, and brands to create, connect, and sell. The company's services span high-impact, TV-visible signage (MLB, NBA, NCAA, international soccer), sponsorship sales, college multimedia rights management, and dynamic video and content production, as well as the nation's largest fleet of aerial advertising planes. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com