Tip-Off Traditions

Prep for “Palestra Pandemonium” and create your own game day traditions in the Shop Penn retail district.
Philadelphia Big 5 basketball (Penn, LaSalle, St. Joseph’s, Temple, Villanova) is a rivalry as traditional as college basketball itself and the home to Big 5 basketball is right here in University City at the historic Palestra. Experiencing a Big 5 showdown is a must for sports fans, and Shop Penn is here with the perfect guide for making the most of the experience.
1
shop
Apparel
Books
Address

3601 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

You can’t start your game day fun without the proper attire, and the University of Pennsylvania has all the gear you need for any fan situation. Rock your favorite Penn shirt, hat or even headband. You can show your Quaker pride with everything from pennants and banners to pompoms and face tattoos for cheering on the team!

 

2
dine
Dine
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Address

3401 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

With five different vendors serving everything from sushi to sandwiches, Franklin’s Table is the perfect meet-up spot to eat before walking to the arena for tipoff. Each stall showcases the individual flavor and character of our restaurant’s offerings in an eclectic mix of new concepts and established favorites. So tell your friends to meet you there, and enjoy a falafel and tehina shake from Goldie, a one-of-a-kind Spurrito from PaperMill, or a slice from Pitruco.  You’ll be fueled up and ready to cheer on your team all game long.

 

3
play

The Palestra

Play
Athletics
Address

223 South 33rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

The Palestra is one of the most storied basketball venues in the United States, often called The Cathedral of College Basketball, and the home for Big 5 basketball here in Philadelphia. Opened in 1927, the Palestra has hosted more regular season or post-season NCAA men’s basketball games than any other US arena. Whether you are looking to cheer on the Quakers or check out the latest game between Big 5 rivals, the Palestra is a historical venue that every basketball fan must check off their bucket list.

 

4
dine
Dine
Lunch
Dinner
Address

210 South 40th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

If you are looking for a bite to eat after an afternoon tip or just looking for a spot to pull up a stool and check out the action on screen from elsewhere around the country, then take a stroll down Locust Walk to the historic Smokey Joe's. Belly up to the bar and order a pizza and wings while enjoying a drink from the top-shelf bar that includes craft-brewed beers and cocktails.

 

University of Pennsylvania Bookstore

Franklin's Table

The Palestra

Smokey Joe's