Penn Park looking into center city while a team practices

Athletics & Recreation

A member of the Ivy League, our vision of sports goes beyond wins and losses. Penn athletics are built on character first, and continued development as young adults who are both students and athletes.

Penn has a rich history of athletics. Across campus and throughout Philadelphia, team members support each other, learn leadership skills, and have a positive impact on the community.

A few fun facts:

  • Every year, Franklin Field plays host to the Penn Relays, the largest and longest-running track and field meet in the United States.
  • Known as the “Cathedral of College Basketball,” Penn’s Palestra has hosted more NCAA tournament games than any other arena.
  • The University’s 100+ member band has rallied the Red and Blue faithful while spurring Penn’s teams to victory for more than 110 years.
  • A total of 200 Olympic athletes have represented Penn in every summer games from 1900 to 2012.
  • Devoted Eagles fans celebrate the team’s connection to Penn’s historic football stadium. The Philadelphia Eagles practiced and competed on Franklin Field for a decade through 1970.