Franklin Field, Philadelphia

Franklin Field, an iconic American sports stadium, holds a prominent place in Philadelphia, situated at the eastern edge of the University of Pennsylvania's campus. This historic venue serves multiple purposes, primarily as the home stadium for the Penn Relays, a renowned track and field event. It is also the primary facility for the University of Pennsylvania's football, track and field, lacrosse teams, and in the past, it accommodated soccer, field hockey, and baseball.

Beyond its use for intercollegiate athletics, Franklin Field is a hub of student activity, facilitating recreational sports, intramural, and club sports, including touch football and cricket. It also has the distinction of being the chosen location for the University's graduation ceremonies, weather permitting.

Franklin Field's historical significance is further highlighted by its recognition by the NCAA as the oldest stadium still in operation for football in the United States. Its pioneering features include being the first U.S. stadium with an upper deck of seats and a scoreboard. In 1922, it achieved another first: the site of the initial radio broadcast of a football game on WIP, and also the venue for the first television broadcast of a football game by Philco.

From 1958 to 1970, Franklin Field expanded its legacy in professional sports by serving as the home field for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League.

Moreover, the stadium is etched in political history as well. It was here in 1936 that President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a significant speech, accepting the Democratic Party's nomination for a second term as president. This event drew an impressive crowd of around 100,000 people, who braved intermittent rain to hear FDR's address at Franklin Field.