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Franklin Field - home of Penn Quakers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NCAA FCS

Franklin FieldPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

Penn Quakers

👥
Capacity
52,593
🏆
Conference
Ivy
📅
Opened
1895
🌱
Surface
N/A

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📖About Franklin Field

Franklin Field, opened in 1895, is the oldest operating stadium for college football in the United States and the oldest two-tiered stadium in the country. This historic venue has witnessed over 125 years of football history and hosts the annual Penn Relays, the world's largest track and field competition.

🏛️History

Origins

Built for $100,000 and dedicated on April 20, 1895, for the first running of the Penn Relays, Franklin Field was designed to showcase Penn's growing athletics program and provide a permanent home for the Quakers and the prestigious Penn Relays.

Major Renovations

1903Wooden stands replaced by brick horseshoe, creating first permanent horseshoe college stadium
1922Site of first radio broadcast of football game on WIP and later first television broadcast by Philco
1925Became the largest double-decker football stadium in the nation
2015Extensive $44 million renovation to reinforce deteriorating 120-year-old concrete stands

Notable Moments

Apr 20, 1895Stadium dedicated with first Penn Relays, establishing world's oldest relay race competition
1922First radio and television broadcasts of football games originated from Franklin Field
Annually since 1895Penn Relays hosts over 15,000 athletes and 100,000 spectators each April

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Lower bowl between the 30-yard lines offers optimal views. The double-deck design means upper sections can feel distant but provide good panoramic views. East side seats have better shade during afternoon games.

Parking Tips

Limited parking in University City. Arrive 2-3 hours early for big games. Consider SEPTA public transit or parking in Center City and taking the subway. Residential street parking fills quickly.

Game Day

Explore Penn's beautiful campus before kickoff—the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is across from the stadium. University City offers dozens of dining options within walking distance. The historic nature of Franklin Field is palpable.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

New Deck Tavern

$$

Classic Philadelphia sports bar with game day specials and great atmosphere for Penn fans.

📍 0.3 miles3408 Sansom St

💡 Packed on game days. Get there early for a table.

White Dog Café

$$$

University City institution with farm-to-table menu, craft cocktails, and outdoor patio.

📍 0.3 miles3420 Sansom St

💡 Great for pre-game brunch. Locally-sourced ingredients.

Cavanaugh's Headhouse

$$

Irish pub atmosphere with extensive beer selection and classic pub fare.

📍 2 miles421 S 2nd St

💡 Popular with Penn alumni. Lively game day crowd.

🍽️Restaurants

Cucina Zapata

$$

Highly-rated Mexican restaurant with authentic flavors and vibrant atmosphere.

📍 0.4 miles4000 Locust St

💡 Try the mole. Great margaritas and outdoor seating.

Pod

$$$

Modern Asian fusion with innovative sushi and dramatic conveyor belt presentation.

📍 0.5 miles3636 Sansom St

💡 Fun atmosphere. Reservations recommended for dinner.

Distrito

$$$

Upscale Mexican cantina by Chef Jose Garces with creative tacos and extensive tequila list.

📍 0.4 miles3945 Chestnut St

💡 Great for groups. Weekend brunch is excellent.

🏨Hotels

The Inn at Penn

$$$

Hilton hotel right on Penn's campus with elegant accommodations and Ivy League atmosphere.

📍 0.5 miles3600 Sansom St

💡 Walking distance to stadium. Book early for Penn-Princeton and Homecoming.

Sheraton Philadelphia University City

$$$

Full-service hotel with restaurant, bar, and 24-hour fitness center.

📍 0.6 miles3549 Chestnut St

💡 Convenient location. Complimentary shuttle to campus.

🎭Attractions

Penn Museum

$

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology with world-renowned Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Asian collections.

📍 0.1 miles3260 South St

💡 Right across from Franklin Field. Allow 2-3 hours to explore.

The Liberty Bell

Free

American icon and symbol of freedom in Independence National Historical Park.

📍 2.2 miles526 Market St

💡 Combine with Independence Hall tour. Free but can have long lines.

🅿️Parking Options

🏢

Penn Parking Garages

$30
Garage📍 0.2 miles

💡 Multiple garages near stadium. Check Penn Athletics website for gameday rates.

🅿️

South Street Parking

$25
Lot📍 0.3 miles

💡 Several lots on South Street. Arrive early as they fill quickly.

🚗

Street Parking

Free
Street📍 0.4 miles

💡 Very limited. Check signs carefully for restrictions and time limits.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Franklin Field? Share it with us.

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.