It's early on the West Coast, but that doesn't mean there isn't breaking news. I have confirmed that California will start the 2016 season on the road -- really on the road -- against Hawaii at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia, a site originally constructed for the 2000 Olympic Games.

The game replaces a previously-scheduled home game against FCS opponent South Dakota.

The game will be the first college football game ever played in Sydney, and the first in Australia since games in Melbourne in 1985 and 1987.

This is the second time that the Bears will be playing a game outside of the United States, and the first since Cal and Washington State tied, 17-17, on Nov. 28, 1987, in Tokoyo, Japan.

The partnering with Hawaii was a natural fit, a source says, especially after Baylor pulled out of negotiations and began leaking information about the game several months ago.

The Cal basketball team, of course, played a series down in Australia this past August, going 3-1 Down Under.

http://www.scout.com/college/california/story/1616738-game-day-central-cal-vs-arizona-state “This is a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience for our student-athletes and an excellent opportunity to see and learn about another culture,” Cal head coach Sonny Dykes said in a statement. “We are proud to represent the University of California at this historic event. A great deal of hard work by many people has gone into making this a reality, and everyone associated with Cal Athletics is excited to take part in it.

“It is a great day for college football and all the fans of our sport. It shows the popularity college football is gaining, and we’re ready to help further introduce the sport to many more fans.”

The game will be dubbed the Sydney Cup, and will host an expected 15,000 international and interstate fans, according to the official report out of Sydney. The entire event will cost $10 million, with the Bears and Warriors expected to net big payouts, according to sources.

Following the opener, Cal will return home for a bye week to get readjusted, and then will face San Diego State on Sept. 10, and host Texas on Sept. 17.

Vitals:

ANZ Stadium

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Kick-off: 2pm (Sydney time)

TICKETS: