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

University Square Farmers Market

University Square

Head to the University Square Farmers Market every Wednesday from 10AM-5PM! Get here on SEPTA. Hop the Market-Frankford Line to 34th Street or Trolley Routes 11, 13, 34, or 36 to 36th Street.

Plan Your Trip

Wawa Hoagie Day

Independence Mall

Join Wawa for historic Hoagie Day Tributes to our Local Heroes, featuring entertainment and seven TONS of FREE Wawa Hoagies served at Noon along Arch Street between 5th& 6th streets in the Independence Mall area. Over 1,000 stores chainwide will celebrate Hoagie Day® in their local communities by building and donating more than 30,000 hoagies to local first responders and community heroes serving their neighborhoods – all in one day.

Get there on SEPTA! Ride the Market-Frankford Line to 5th Street or hop Bus Routes 17, 33, 38, 44, 47 or 57.

Plan Your Trip