The Palestra

History! Just feel the history as you walk the halls and step into the stands. Hear the echos of crowds of the past roaring as the greatest basketball players played in epic Big 5 battles. It is impossible to list all of the greats who played at the Palestra. It is like visiting a basketball shrine. If you have not been here or taken your kids here, please do so.

I would strongly reconsider attending any event if you have any mobility issues but don’t own an expensive wheelchair. I came with my aunt, uncle and grandmother, who all have back issues, to watch my cousin’s graduation. We got reserved tickets for an area that had supported seats which would be next to my cousin’s cluster and we were kicked out by very rude staff. Apparently unless you have a visible disability (and this only applies for wheelchairs as walking sticks do not count as limited mobility), you don’t deserve any support! I was finally able to advocate for the three of them after a good 20 minutes of arguing with a staff member at the back of the stadium (very far from where we booked). The seats they did have had some back support but were just cheap chairs. They really struggled for the 3+ hour ceremony. I also saw someone’s grandparents almost pass out but were still denied supported seating. Very cruel staff.

One of the many classic stadiums and buildings on Penns campus. Even if there isn't a game, its worth taking a look inside. Lots of Philly collegiate history and pride displayed on the walls in the concourse. Seats are old school bleachers and the exposed steal beams in the roof show its age.

The Palestra, the Cathedral of College Basketball 🏀 An almost 100 year old building, the rudimentary seating adds to the atmosphere. I watched the sold out Philadelphia Catholic League Boys Championship game in February 2025. It did not disappoint. 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

nice old building， pay to go for actii

Omg. This place is an incredible place to watch a game. I was completely blown away. The history of this building is incredible. If you get a chance, go watch a game here.

First, love the arena and the history behind it. I've been there 5 games watching Penn State Basketball there. Went yesterday and had 4 tickets in Section 202 Row 5 Seats 11-14. This Row was HORRIBLE. The people in the handy cap section (I'm not blaming them) blocked 65% of our view. I took my niece and nephew there and all they could see was about 10% of it. The man in the wheelchair (far left) was propped up so high we couldn't see a whole section of the court. Again, not blaming him for sitting there. They didn't sell Row 4, and I def don't think they should have sold Row 5 as well. I emailed both the Penn and Penn State Ticket Office's and their stance is they have a no refund policy. I provided a photo of our vantage point. You can tell my nephew (the red headed boy next to me) can't see past the people in front of us. Again, not blaming those people for sitting there. It's just this row shouldn't have been sold at at all either (along with Row 4). I'm not one to ask for refunds, but this was wrong. I'll be back, but I'll be staying far way from these 2 sections (the other side with it too).

For a Penn Engineering graduation ceremony, this was a good enough venue