The Palestra in Philadelphia is one of the most special sports stadiums in the nation, write Siafa Lewis and Will Kenworthy for CBS News Philadelphia.
The stadium first opened its doors on Jan. 1, 1927.
Since then, coaches and players alike has shared countless memories at the stadium.
There’s Phil Martelli, who coached at Saint Joseph’s University for 24 years; Fran Dunphy whose coached at La Salle, Penn, and Temple over the course of 33 years; and Fran McCaffery, the current head coach at Penn.
All of them have coached countless games at the Palestra and have ties to the Philadelphia area.
McCaffery, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, said he is impressed by how the Palestra “still exists the way it does.”
“It’s still here. Haven’t really done a lot to it, looks the same as it did when I walked in this building 55, 60 years ago,” he added.
When the Big 5 was created in late 1954, the Palestra was where all Big 5 were played.
Dan Baker, the former executive secretary of the Big 5, highlighted that the Palestra is much more than just an athletic venue.
Beyond being known as the “Cathedral of College Basketball,” the Palestra represents the best of the city.
Read more about the rich history of the Palestra at CBS News Philadelphia.
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