Cal WBB To Host “School Haas Rock” Wednesday Morning

BERKELEY – A new program initiated by the No. 10 California women’s basketball team will debut this week when the Golden Bears host “School Haas Rock” – an educational and exciting event scheduled to take place Wednesday morning at Haas Pavilion prior to and during Cal’s non-conference game against Sacramento State.

Local East Bay elementary and middle school kids will make their way to Haas Pavilion to participate in pre-game educational programming before cheering on the Golden Bears for their 11 a.m. tip-off against the Hornets.

Partnering with California in the event is Berkeley BUILD, one of the largest reading programs in the East Bay that provides avenues for Cal student mentor teams to provide one-to-one literacy support at 22 after school locations in Oakland and Berkeley. BUILD, an acronym standing for Berkeley United in Literacy Development, will be involved with half-time activities for the kids attending the game.

“It’s a really important part of our mission as a program to be involved with our community,” California head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “’School Haas Rock’ is going to be an amazing event that allows our team to impact and inspire the youth of Berkeley, Oakland and the surrounding areas. Our student-athletes love getting out into the community and interacting with our fans, particularly kids. Wednesday will allow us to bring the kids into our environment, have them see campus, cheer on some exciting Cal Bear basketball, and walk away having had an experience that will continue to impact them positively even after the game is over.”

Doors will open at Haas Pavilion at 9:30 a.m. followed by a pre-game assembly at 10:20 a.m. Scheduled to appear at the event are David Surratt, Associate Dean of Students at UC Berkeley, former Golden Bear and current WNBA player Layshia Clarendon, members of the Cal spirit groups and the Cal Steel Bridge Team.

Tickets can be purchased online at CalBears.com or by calling 800-GO-BEARS.