University City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Palestra

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 14, 2023

1. The Palestra Marker

Inscription. Home to the Penn Quakers basketball, volleyball, and wrestling teams. Opened in 1927, it is one of the first steel and concrete arenas in the US, with an arched steel truss system providing unobstructed views of the court. Known as "The Cathedral of College Basketball," it hosted the East Regional of NCAA's first national tournament in 1939, Philadelphia's Big 5 basketball, and as of 2022 more college basketball games than any other arena.

Erected 2022 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.

Location. 39° 57.091′ N, 75° 11.413′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in University City. Marker is on South 33rd Street just north of Smith Walk, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 233 S 33rd St, Philadelphia PA 19104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Frederick C. Murphy Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Lawson Robertson (within shouting

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

distance of this marker); The Penn Relays (within shouting distance of this marker); Ferdinand Foch (within shouting distance of this marker); ENIAC (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Benjamin Franklin in 1723 (about 300 feet away); Marshal Joffre and Former Premier Viviani (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 14, 2023

2. The Palestra Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 204 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.