The sun is shining over Franklin Field once again as the student-athletes of Penn prepare for another year of chasing championships and records. From the men’s squash team having its first undefeated season to 2025 Wharton graduate Anna Brandt’s phenomenal record of 206 goals to become the highest scorer in Penn women’s lacrosse history, the 2024-25 school year was spectacular for Penn athletics, and this year will be no different.
After spending the summer both diligently training and resting before their seasons, 31 Red and Blue teams are prepared to dominate the Ancient Eight, and what they need most is support from their school. Here’s a guide on the must-knows about Penn sports and games.
Where do Penn athletics events take place?
Franklin Field is the biggest Penn athletics venue and is utilized by many teams, including football, men’s and women’s lacrosse, field hockey, and men’s and women’s track and field. With the illustrious Penn Medicine Pavilion building radiating over the turf, these teams have the opportunity to fight for victory in the oldest college football stadium in the nation. Named after Penn’s founder, Franklin Field hosts most of Penn’s greatest traditions, including the notable throwing of the toast where crowds of Quaker fans make a “toast” to “Dear Old Penn” after the third quarter of a football game.
Additionally, the track surrounding Franklin Field is especially significant to many because of one main event: the Penn Relay Carnival. As the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States with its first running in 1895, the Penn Relays have graced that same track for over 100 years with no end in sight. Thousands of athletes, fans, and coaches from across the world work tirelessly to compete on this momentous stage, and the entirety of Penn’s campus is transformed into a sea of greatness when the time comes. Before the outdoor season commences in the spring, the men’s and women’s track and field teams compete at the newly established Ott Center for Track and Field for indoor events during the winter.
The Palestra, also known as the Cathedral of College Basketball, is another historic venue that is home to the men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, volleyball, and gymnastics teams. No other basketball arena has hosted more visiting teams, regular season or postseason men’s basketball competition, or NCAA tournament games than the Palestra. However, the court is not just used for collegiate play. Multiple NBA teams have visited the historic site and neighboring Rockwell Gymnasium for practice, including the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies. Most recently, the reigning Super Bowl champions — the Philadelphia Eagles — held offseason training at the venue.
Another notable site is Rhodes Field, which is home to the men’s and women’s soccer teams. Though the stadium was under construction from 2021-24, the teams returned to their home field once again last season after playing in Penn Park during the renovation. With natural Bermuda grass and distinguished memories, Rhodes Field is especially valuable to Penn because of its nuanced home-field advantage: the bustling city surrounding the field. Because of the train tracks above the stadium and the adjacent highway, the Quakers have become accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the city and I-76 around them while their opponents have not.
What sports should I keep an eye on this fall?
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This fall, the men’s soccer team will be one to watch. Last season, Penn men’s soccer went on an incredible winning streak, going undefeated in the Ivy League conference and finishing with an overall record of 14-4-1. Its glory days unfortunately ceased after an upsetting loss to UMass in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Nevertheless, this team won its third Ivy League regular season championship last season, and it will undoubtedly seek a deep tournament run this year. Though the loss of 2025 College graduates and former players Stas Korzeniowski and Leo Burney will be felt throughout Rhodes Field, men’s soccer has added eight freshmen to its roster who will bring triumph to Rhodes Field once again.
In the second half of the semester, the men’s basketball season will kick off with new coach Fran McCaffery at the helm. McCaffery previously served as head coach at Iowa and has a total of 12 career NCAA tournament appearances — the most of any Ivy League basketball coach at the time of their hiring in history. While Penn men’s basketball finished seventh in the Ancient Eight last season, the team will be one to watch in this new era, especially with leading Penn scorer senior guard Ethan Roberts returning for his final year.
Who else will be there?
Alongside dedicated spectators, many organizations come together to bring support to Penn athletics, including the Penn Band, Penn Cheer, and the Quaker Girls Dance Team. The groups can be spotted at nearly every football and basketball game, energizing the crowd with upbeat music, joyful cheers, and rhythmic dances that bring smiles to many faces. Specifically, the Penn Band was founded in 1897, and the student organization performs on over 100 different occasions every year.
How do I get in?
Now, knowing all that you do about Penn’s sports, athletic sites, and student spirit organizations, it’s time to finally attend the events! Finding tickets is easy if you use the Penn Athletics website. Currently, student tickets are free for all regular season Penn athletics games and competitions. Penn Athletics recommends reserving tickets on its website in advance. Penn student guest tickets can be purchased for football and men’s basketball games for $10. Fans can also join Penn Rewards for prizes and other raffle awards in the future.
AVERY BROBBEY is a College sophomore from Akron, Ohio studying political science and history. All comments should be directed to dpsports@thedp.com.
