The Palestra, Philadelphia

The Palestra, often referred to as the "Cathedral of College Basketball," is a historic sports arena situated on South 33rd Street in Philadelphia, on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. This iconic venue serves as the home court for the Penn Quakers men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the volleyball and wrestling teams. Additionally, it plays a central role in Philadelphia Big 5 basketball.

Opening its doors on January 1, 1927, the Palestra holds a special place in the history of college basketball. It has been described as "the most significant building in the history of college basketball" and is credited with profoundly influencing the development of the sport it was designed for.

Originally designed to accommodate around 10,000 spectators, the arena's seating capacity for basketball games has since been adjusted to 8,725. What sets the Palestra apart is its unique seating arrangement, with bleachers that extend right down to the playing surface, providing an intimate and unobstructed view of the games, with no barriers separating the fans from the action.

Notably, during its construction, the Palestra was one of the largest arenas globally and represented a pioneering use of steel and concrete in American arena construction. It was among the first venues in the United States to be built without interior pillars, ensuring an unobstructed view for all attendees.

Throughout its existence, the Palestra has hosted more games, welcomed more visiting teams, and hosted more NCAA tournaments than any other college basketball facility, solidifying its status as an integral part of the sport's history.