PHILADELPHIA-Built in 1895, Franklin Field is an established national and international icon. The historic facility is home to Penn teams, commencements, concerts, Presidential speeches, and the world's oldest and largest annual track & field meet. On Monday, the University of Pennsylvania announced it is expanding the renovation project at the nation's oldest collegiate football stadium.
"Franklin Field stands as a testament to the pride, grit and determination of the many thousands of student-athletes and millions of fans who have passed through its gates," said Penn Director of Athletics and RecreationDr. M. Grace Calhoun. "We are looking forward to undertaking this project to perserve and strengthen this iconic facility for generations to come."
The ongoing advancements to Franklin Field will expand beyond the current improvements to the track, west end walkway and plaza entrance. The north side of the stadium will receive some necessary upgrades to the stands and structure over the next year.
The north side seating will be closed during these renovations, but will be available for the Penn Relays and commencement. To enhance the football gameday experience, Penn students and band will now be seated near the Penn team tunnel, while visiting team fans will have seating available near the visiting team tunnel and locker room.
Penn has a long tradition of innovation. America's first University is home to the nation's first medical school, computer, and one of the world's most prestigious undergraduate and graduate business schools. Franklin Field, named after Penn's founder Ben Franklin, has been another beacon of innovation for the University.
Franklin Field was the first two-tiered football stadium (1925) in the nation, and is the site ofthe first scoreboard (1895),first college football radio broadcast (1922), first college football telecast (1940), and was once the largest stadium in the country after the second deck was completed (1925).
Over its 120-year history, Franklin Field has also served as home to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles (1958-70), Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1936 nomination acceptance speech, numerous Army-Navy football games, two recent Hollywood blockbusters (Invincible and Unbreakable), and several NCAA Championships.
Since its first year, the stadium has been home to the Penn Relays and Penn Football.Every April, more than 100,000 fans and athletes from all over the world pass through the historic Franklin Field gates for the Penn Relays.Meanwhile, Penn boasts the nation's most historic college football program with an NCAA record 1,353 games played. The Quakers have won a league-record 13 outright Ivy titles, and college football's highest honor, the Heisman Trophy, is named forformer Penn player and coach John Heisman.
The historic facility has undergone several recent renovations. The George A. Weiss Pavilion was added to the north facade of the stadium and houses the Robert A. Fox Fitness Center and Greene Family varsity weight room. In addition, the state-of-the-artDonald E. Frey Athletic Training Center and Avery Blake Lacrosse Complex were completed in 2010. These advancements werepart of Penn'sMaking Historycampaign, which also included upgrades to The Palestra, the creation of Shoemaker Green and the addition of Penn Park.
Football season tickets are now on sale and feature severaldiscounts, perks and giveaways. Individual game tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 14.
Penn would like to thank everyone for their time, understanding and patience as we continue to improve our facilities. Fans and alumni can contribute to the projecthere.
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