Stephen Ellison

Stanford Band Won't Be Playing in Big Game at Cal

Controversial and entertaining marching band still serving an indefinite suspension from road games

The 119th Big Game between Stanford and Cal is approaching, and this year a huge part of the rivalry's atmosphere will be missing. The Stanford Marching Band has been banished from playing at Saturday's game in Berkeley.

Stanford's controversial and entertaining marching band already had been serving a ban from traveling with the team to away games for past trangressions. And on Tuesday, the university said the band had not resolved those problems enough to play in the Big Game.

Stanford's Axe Committee was set up in its on-campus birdcage to protect the coveted trophy that the Big Game winner takes home. And, of course, the student body is fired up, including newcomers to the grand tradition.

"I was actually really surprised," said Ashley Song, a Stanford freshman. "We have a lot of school spirit. Our student section is wild during the game."

But it may not be as wild at Saturday's Big Game without the Stanford band and its outlandish antics. The band has been banned since May 2015 for what the university called violations from complaints by band members for sexually explicit and offensive acts, hazing and violations of alcohol and controlled substances.

Despite the ban being lifted for two recent bowl games, university officials said Tuesday the band still had not made enough progress in addressing the concerns.

Students steeped in the Stanford tradition were disappointed.

"I mean, I'm a little bummed that they won't be there because it's a big part of the school and big part of the spirit," said Mayte Guerrero, of the Stanford Axe Committee.

Another Axe Committee member, Marissa Luna, added, "Without them there at the football game, it will be a little bit sad. But I know that our school spirit will definitely make up for it."

Meanwhile, at its Band Shak headquarters, the Stanford band referred to an online statement, saying it understands the concerns and, in essence, is addressing them.

The band also turned over its transportation money so five busloads of students can ride to the Big Game free.

"The band has told us they're still very supportive of the team, and they're going to do everything they can during the week to support the team, support the students, get everyone pumped up," Axe Committee member Adam Gould said.

The university said the Student Affairs staff is working with band leaders, and the band's progress will be reviewed again before the bowl season begins.

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