The California softball team will play its home games at West Valley College in Saratoga and Sacramento State during the 2026 season, Co-Directors of Athletics Jenny Simon-O'Neill and Jay Larson announced Thursday.

The Golden Bears will play three ACC series at West Valley and another at Sac State while the Cal Softball Stadium undergoes renovations that are expected to be completed in time for the 2027 season.

"We are incredibly grateful for this partnership with West Valley College and Sacramento State," Simon-O'Neill and Larson said. "The use of these two facilities will allow our student-athletes to continue to compete at the highest level while our new state-of-the-art facility is being constructed. We are looking forward to seeing our fans support us at these venues throughout the 2026 season."

The Bears open the ACC season March 6-8 at Shea Stadium in Sacramento. Each of Cal's ensuing ACC home series will take place at West Valley's Viking Field – March 13-15 against North Carolina, April 2-4 against Louisville and April 24-26 against Stanford. The Bears won't play any nonconference games at home.

"We are grateful for the hospitality of both head coaches -  Lori Perez (Sac State) and Vicky Galindo-Piatt (West Valley and Cal alumna) -  as well as their administrations," Cal head coach Steve Singleton said. "These aren't normal circumstances, and we appreciate their willingness to work with us through this transition. Both facilities offer a great playing surface for our athletes as well as an enjoyable venue for fans. We look forward to the upcoming season!"

Renovations began in April for the upgraded Cal Softball Stadium, which is being partially funded by Cal's successful Gender Equity Campaign that raised $8 million. Highlights of the renovated facility include a 30,500 square foot, two-story precast concrete structure that will house the bullpen, concourse and press box as well as 1,511 permanent seats and 8,500 square feet of enclosed space that includes locker rooms, lounges and a training room.

The Bears' 2026 season begins in early February. Their full schedule will be announced in the coming days.

 
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