Penn Athletics Announces Football’s 2026 Theme Days and Promotions

PHILADELPHIA – Penn Athletics and Penn football are excited to announce the theme days, promotions and giveaways for the program's 150th year.

The home schedule includes traditional events such as Homecoming and Senior Day against Harvard on Nov. 14, Community Day against Howard on Oct. 10 and a new celebration for Quaker's Birthday against Yale on Oct. 23.

2026 Themes and Promotions
September 26th vs Lehigh (1 p.m.) | ESPN+

First Years on the Field – We invite all Penn first-year students to join us for a pregame fan tunnel, welcoming the Penn Football team to the field in their home opener! Participating first-year students will also get a VIP lanyard and credential. Students can click here to login and download their FREE ticket.
- In conjunction with Penn Traditions, all students are invited to a pregame tailgate on Shoemaker Green from 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Hall of Fame weekend – Join us as we recognize 12 great Quakers as they are inducted into the Penn Athletics Hall of Fame Class XIV!
Fans will receive a free Penn Football schedule magnet while supplies last.

October 10th vs Howard (1 p.m.) | ESPN+

Community Day – Philadelphia schools, church groups, youth teams, and community groups are eligible to receive complimentary tickets to enjoy an afternoon of Penn football at historic Franklin Field. Group leaders can request tickets for their organization (https://pennathletics.evenue.net/promotions/FBCOMMUNITY)
Band Day – In partnership with the Penn Band, local bands (grades 7-12) are invited to play at halftime with the Penn Band.
Penn HR Friends & Family Day – The Division of Human Resources and Penn Athletics invite faculty, staff, postdocs, and friends to a day of football, food, community, and fun! Penn friends and family can secure their seats by clicking here.
Fans will receive a free Penn Football 150 cooler bag while supplies last.

October 16th vs Columbia (7 p.m.) | ESPNU

Cancer Awareness Game – Join us as we partner with organizations across campus and in the community to raise awareness for all cancers and recognize those who have battled or are currently battling cancer.
Rush for Plush – In partnership with Penn Football student-athlete Ryan Mitchell, this game will also feature Rush for Plush. Fans will be encouraged to bring stuffed animals to the game, the Vs. Cancer organization will match up to 250 toys. After Penn scores their first touchdown, fans will be told to throw the stuffed animals onto the field (ala Toast Toss). The stuffed animals will be donated to both the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania and the Ronald McDonald House.
Fans will receive a free Penn Football commemorative pennant while supplies last.

October 23rd vs Yale (7 p.m.) | ESPNU

Quaker's Birthday -- Local school and community mascots are taking over the arena to help us celebrate everyone's favorite mascot, Quaker! We're hosting a full day of family-friendly fun, interactive games, and birthday festivities you won't want to miss.
Most Valuable Professor – Join us as we celebrate Penn Football's nominated faculty members on the field for a halftime recognition. All professors and faculty members in attendance will receive a special welcome announcement during the game.
Fans will receive a free Quaker's Birthday poster while supplies last.

November 22nd vs Harvard (1 p.m.) | ESPN+

Homecoming – Home is where the Quakers are! We're excited to welcome all Penn alumni back to Franklin Field on Homecoming.
Senior Day – Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2027! Don't forget to arrive early as we honor our senior Quakers in a special pregame ceremony for all of their contributions and hard work for the Penn Football program.
Football 150 Celebration – Celebrating 150 years of Penn Football! We will be spotlighting the different decades of Penn Football through various videoboard recognitions
Fans will receive a free Penn Football 150 collectible coin while supplies last.

Season Long Marketing and Promotional Initiatives

Football 150 photo station – Fans are invited to take pictures at our official Penn Football 150 photo station as we celebrate 150 years of Penn Football!
Quaker's Quarter – Fans have the opportunity to be on the field for 15 minutes after each home game!

Tickets—both season and single game—for the 2026 season are available to purchase HERE or by calling the ticket office at 215-898-6151. Stay up-to-date on the latest promotions, theme days and future giveaways by visiting pennathletics.com/promotions.

For the latest on Penn football, follow @PennFB on X (formerly Twitter), @PennFootball on Instagram, and on the web at PennAthletics.com.

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Players Mentioned

#52 Ryan Mitchell: OL; 6' 3"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#52 Ryan Mitchell
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: OL

Players Mentioned

#52 Ryan Mitchell

Players Mentioned

#52 Ryan Mitchell