The Palestra
Benjamin Franklin University also know as the The University of Pennsylvania is founded by one of America's first citizens in the Cradle of Liberty, the city of Philadelphia.
Dr. Franklin was America's foremost philanthropist and indeed the world leading scientist in the 1700's. From the firehouse, stove, bifocals, higher education, and of course the founding of America and Independence. Speaking of Founders. Thomas Jefferson graduate of William and Mary founded the University of Virginia. These two great universities and many others located in the Philadelphia area are the backbone of America's leading higher learning institutions. Let Freedom ring.
One of the many historical milestones on campus is The Palestra the school's legendary gymnasium built in 1927 with a capacity of 10,000. The building was iconic in that it was made from concrete without any beams obstructing views. The first game in front of a capacity crowd had Penn defeating Yale 26-15.
As we close in on the 100 year Centennial of the Palestra, the iconic building and Cathedral of College Basketball has hosted more college basketball games than any other facility in the world. A must visit when coming to historic Philadelphia. The architecture provides for close proximity to the playing floor and excellent site lines throughout the building. The name Palestra (Greek for gathering place) came from a Penn Greek professor William N. Bates.
As Penn gets ready to host Villanova on Wednesday 12/1/2021 at 7pm in Philadelphia we hope to be in attendance adding to the glory of the venerable Palestra.
Perhaps the plaque inside The Palestra explains the arena’s aura best.
It reads: “To win the game is great. To play the game is greater. But to love the game is the greatest of all."
With Love,
Coach K
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