Destination

Palestra

The Palestra, often called the Cathedral of College Basketball, is a historic arena and the home gym of the University of Pennsylvania Quakers men's and women's basketball teams, volleyball teams, wrestling team, and Philadelphia Big 5 basketball. Located on the University of Pennsylvania campus, The Palestra was given its name by Greek professor Dr. William N. Bates, who felt the name logical because in ancient Greece, young men would compete in a variety of events in a rectangular enclosure attached to the gymnasium to the view of all who would come -- a Palestra. The name was widely accepted by the organizing committee for it fit the specifications: authenticity, dignity, descriptive, and novel. So, in 1927, The Palestra was opened.

How to get there

Take any Regional Rail Line to William H. Gray III 30th Street Station. From there walk West on Market Street to 33rd Street, then turn left and follow 33rd Street to The Palestra (behind Shoemaker Green). Or take Regional Rail to Penn Medicine Station. Head northeast toward South St/S St Bridge, take the stairs, turn left onto South St/S St Bridge, continue to follow South St, turn right onto S 33rd Street.

Take the Market-Frankford Line to the 34th Street Station. Walk East on Market Street to 33rd Street. Turn right, and follow 33rd Street to The Palestra (behind Shoemaker Green).

Take the Broad Street Line to City Hall. Make a free interchange at City Hall to the Market-Frankford Line Westbound towards 69th Street. Follow Market-Frankford Line directions above to reach The Palestra.

Take any Trolley Route to the 33rd Street Station. Walk South on 33rd Street to The Palestra (behind Shoemaker Green).

Hop Bus Routes 21, 31, 40, 42, or 49.

Fare

There are many ways to get here on SEPTA, there are also many ways to pay. Click here to learn which fare is best for you.

Hours

The Palestra Ticket Office is open on game nights one hour before tip off and is located in the West Lobby. Will Call is located in Hutchinson Gymnasium, adjacent to the Palestra.

Online Ticket Information

Office Hours:Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (excluding University Holidays)

Summer Hours:Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. (excluding University Holidays)

Please call the Penn Athletics Ticket Office at (215) 898-6151 for specific event hours and information.

Things To Do

Penn men's and women's basketball games, volleyball and wrestling matches are played at the historic Palestra, the most storied gymnasium in the history of collegiate athletics.

The Palestra has hosted more games and more visiting teams than any other facility.

Upcoming Local Happenings

Free At Noon 🎶

World Cafe Live

WXPN's Free At Noon is held every Friday at World Cafe Live and always features fabulous music. Heading to the show? Get there on SEPTA. Take Regional Rail to William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, the Market-Frankford Line to 30th, Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34 & 36 to 30th Street, or Bus Routes 21, 42, or 49.