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. 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 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)
- 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 50 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 became the sponsor of 'The Bear Raid' podcast on 11/15/2020, the same date as the debut of the show. The long term goal of the podcast, currently hosted by 4 members of The Hill (2 of which are current & former "Governors of Tightwad") is to cover all of the Cal Athletic Programs.
