University of Pennsylvania Athletics

Ott Center for Track & Field

Facility Policies & Procedures

Please review the list of Facility Policies and Procedures to follow while in the Ott Center. Violation of any facility guidelines may result in removal of the facility, denied entrance, suspension of membership privileges, or a permanent ban.

Access Requirements

• A valid PennCard or Ott Training Membership card is required for entrance into the Ott Center during age appropriate scheduled training blocks.
  • Patrons will swipe or scan their bar code at the front desk at the main lobby when entering the facility.
  • An exception can be made if a patron does not have their PennCard or Ott Training Membership card, but a government issued photo ID must be provided.  (If a member forgets their PennCard or Ott Training Membership card more than two times during the season, they will be denied entry into the Ott Center).
  • Giving your PennCard or Ott Training Membership card to someone else to gain entry to the Ott Center is strictly prohibited and will result in an immediate membership suspension.
• The majority of track and field meets contested at the Ott Center will require all Meet Directors, staff, volunteers, and officials to enter via pass list or be credentialed to gain access and re-entry into the facility.  Meet Directors, staff, and volunteers will be provided entry 90 minutes prior to the first event’s start.  Officials will be provided entry 60 minutes prior to the first event’s start. 
• The majority of track and field meets contested at the Ott Center will require all coaches, participants, and support staff to wear wristbands to gain access and re-entry into the facility.  Coaches, participants, and support staff will be provided entry 60 minutes prior to the first event’s start.
• The majority of track and field meets contested at the Ott Center will require all spectators to purchase admission tickets and wear wristbands to gain access and re-entry into the facility.  Spectators will be provided entry 60 minutes prior to the first event’s start.

ADA Access

• Limited mobility access into and out of the Ott Center is available via ramp to the right of the main entrance between the Ott Center and the Hollenback Center.
• ADA seating is available for purchase for any track and field meet that requires ticketed admission.  Please contact the Penn Athletics Ticket Office in advance via phone (215-898-6151) or email (tickets@pobox.upenn.edu) if you or a guest in your party requires accessible seating.
• A limited amount of accessible parking will be available for track and field meets in the Hollenback parking lot and River Fields parking lot for those in need.  A Persons with Disability Parking Placard, via hanging tag or license plate, is required to park in those designated spaces. Patrons must pay for a parking pass at the parking kiosk located at the Hollenback Center or the main Meiklejohn Stadium entrance.  Parking tickets will be issued for those without a valid parking pass.

Age Requirements

• All training members 18 years of age and older must sign user waiver prior to usage of the facility.
• All training members under 18 years of age must have a parent/legal guardian sign user waiver prior to usage of the facility.
• Training members under 18 years of age must enter the facility with a coach or adult/guardian, who must also remain in the facility while it is being used by the member, for direct supervision at all times.
• To be eligible for a youth training membership the minor dependent must at least be in the 2rd grade.
• Dependent children of training members are not permitted within the Ott Center during training hours unless they possess a training membership.
• Children 4 years of age and older are not permitted in opposite sex restrooms.
• Children 2 years of age and under do not need a ticket to enter the Ott Center during a track and field meet.  They must be seated on a parent or guardian’s lap and must not obstruct the view of other spectators. 

Attendants, Aids & Training Coaches

• If a registered training member requires assistance from an attendant or aid, the attendant/aid is permitted to accompany the member and assist without incurring a fee.  The attendant/aid is not permitted to participate in any personal physical activity.
• Coaches will be permitted to enter the facility with their athlete who is a training member, but must adhere to all of the same training membership policies and procedures. Coaches are not permitted to run or exercise in the space without the purchase of a daily or season pass.
• Due to capacity issues, any attendant/aid assisting a spectator must also purchase an admission ticket.

Broadcasts

• Penn Track & Field, Penn Relays, and external track and field meets may be broadcast via various streaming platforms.  If so, streaming broadcast information will be shared prior to the scheduled meet.

Cancellations & Refund Policy

• All training membership sales are final. Membership cancellations and refunds requested as the result of an unforeseen circumstance will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Ott Center Manager or Designee.  Approved exceptions/special circumstances are subject to prorating as well as processing fees.  Any approved refunds will be returned via the methods noted below:
  • Payments made by credit card will be refunded to the original card used at the time of payment and can take 10-15 business days to process.
  • Any team memberships paid by institutional check may transfer the prorated balance towards approved participation in the Penn Relays or next year’s training membership. The Ott Center cannot refund institutional check payments.
• All cancellations/refunds for track and field meet rentals are subject to the terms included in the rental contract.
• All admission ticket sales for track and field meets are final.  In the event of a meet cancellation due to inclement weather, all purchased admissions tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date. Pre-purchased mobile tickets are transferable or spectators can use Penn Athletics’ secondary market partner, SeatGeek, to sell their pre-purchased tickets if they can no longer attend the event.
• In the event the Ott Center needs to close a training session due to facility maintenance issues, inclement weather, or a change in priority scheduling, the Ott Center will announce the closure as quickly as possible through email, social media, or on the website to reduce any inconvenience.  Please be aware that our policy does not include refunds of membership fees for such closures. 

Code of Conduct

• The Ott Center values and supports the enthusiasm of our spectators; however, we ask that you observe a certain “Code of Conduct”. Please respect the rights of others surrounding you by acting appropriately. All patrons are responsible for their conduct as well as the conduct of their guests and the people accompanying them. Violations may result in having the patron removed from the facility.

Emergency Procedures & First Aid

• In the event of an emergency situation, public address announcements will be made to provide information and initiate an emergency response protocol.  Ott Center staff, campus security personnel and/or Penn Police will assist in directing patrons to a safe area of refuge.  You may be asked to assist children or those in need of special assistance. If you, or anyone near you are in need of extra assistance, please notify Ott Center staff.  Please make yourself aware of facility exits upon entry into the facility.
• First aid will be available at the Ott Center lobby desk.  Please ask Ott Center staff for assistance.
• In the event of a medical emergency all patrons are directed to call Penn Police at 215-573-3333 instead of 911.  Penn Police dispatch can effectively reach emergency services, direct, and greet them at the Ott Center to more quickly assist with the medial emergency.

Food & Beverages

• Beverages in a closed, resealable container are allowed. Glass bottles are not permitted. Only water will be permitted within the Ott Center track oval. 
• Outside food in large trays, containers, or boxes are prohibited within the Ott Center.
• Concessions will be sold at most track and field meets by Aramark, the exclusive concessionaire of Penn Athletics. The concession stand is located in the southeast corner of the Ott Center and will offer a variety of snacks, hot foods, and beverages.

General Guidelines

• Facility hours are subject to change due to facility maintenance issues, inclement weather, staffing shortages, change in priority scheduling, etc. Changes will be announced as quickly as possible through email, social media, and an announcement on the Ott Center website.
• The University of Pennsylvania, the Ott Center, and Ott Center staff are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
• Report all incidents, accidents, and injuries to an Ott Center staff member.
• Admittance and storage of personal belongings:
  • All bags are subject to inspection by Ott Center staff prior to admittance to the facility.
  • Bag drop areas for each training membership group is listed in each training policy and procedure.  Bag drop areas for each track and field meet participant will be communicated in the meet information prior to each meet.
  • Bags and all other belongings will only be permitted to be placed in this space and will not be permitted to be placed in any other locations.
• All guests must be properly attired at all times. This includes wearing a top and appropriate shoes during training and competing. 
• Guests will not be permitted to use restrooms as changing areas.
• Spitting and/or nasal discharging is not permitted anywhere within the Ott Center.
• Only service dogs are permitted in the Ott Center.  All service dogs must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times.
• The Ott Center reserves the right to implement any interim policies to protect the health and safety of the facility and its users/guests.

Guidelines for Open Expression

• Penn Athletics adheres to the University of Pennsylvania’s Guidelines of Open Expression. Any disruption that precludes Penn Athletics events from taking place will be addressed in accordance with the Guidelines on Open Expression. Those creating a disruption may be asked to provide a PennCard or other form of identification and leave the venue. Disruptors affiliated with Penn may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct (undergraduate, graduate, or professional students), appropriate Dean or Provost (faculty), or supervisor (staff). Click here for details on the University of Pennsylvania’s Guidelines on Open Expression.

Inclement Weather

• All inclement weather updates will be posted on the Ott Center website and social media accounts.  Please make sure to check one of these locations before traveling to the Ott Center.
• In the event of inclement weather, training membership sessions will open as close to the regular schedule as weather permits, but patrons may experience some cancellations or schedule interruptions.  The Ott Center will remain open as long as it is safe for patrons and staff.
• If the University of Pennsylvania suspends normal operations due to inclement weather the Ott Center will close for all scheduled activity until it is safe to re-open. All track and field meets will be postponed and attempted to be rescheduled. 

Loss of Access Privileges

• Ott Center staff reserves the right to ask a patron to leave and deny facility, program, or track and field meet access for policy violations.
• Any individual who refuses to comply with facility policies, guidelines, or staff requests or allows unauthorized access to the Ott Center may be asked to leave the facility and/or have their privileges suspended or revoked.
• Individuals that have violated policy may have their Ott Training Memberships suspended and will be required to meet with a designated Ott Center professional staff member to be reinstated.  The length of suspension could be any length of time, including permanently.
• Ott Center staff may also refer Penn students or Faculty/Staff/Affiliates to further University investigation and discipline.
• All decisions are final by the Manager of the Ott Center.

Lost & Found

• Valuable items such as wallets or cell phones should be turned in or will be collected by an Ott Center staff member and held in the Ott Center Manager’s office.  If the lost item includes any identifying information, Ott Center staff will attempt to contact patrons directly. Items may be claimed in person during open hours and will require the presentation of photo identification.
• Non-valuable items such as clothing or equipment are held for a period of two weeks. To claim items please have photo identification and ask for assistance from an Ott Center staff member.  All items will be donated to a local charity after two weeks of storage.

Media Inquiries

• All Ott Center general media inquiries, questions or press access requests for Penn Track & Field or Penn Relays meets should be directed to Eric Raumen, Assistant Director of Communications, at eraumen@upenn.edu
• All press access requests for external track and field meets should be directed to the meet director organizing that meet.

Mobile Devices & Electronics

• Phone calls, texts, and photography are strictly prohibited in any activity area.
• Headphones and earbuds are prohibited from being used in any activity area.
• Unauthorized use of any amplified music is prohibited.

Parking & Transportation

• There is no bus access permitted onto River Fields Drive, via University Avenue, to access the Ott Center.
• Bus drop-off/pick-up locations for teams are in front of Weightman Hall (235 S. 33rd Street) and Penn Park (3000 Lower Walnut Street). Signage for walking paths to the Ott Center will be provided along the route.
• Hollenback and River Fields parking lots are reserved for meet personnel during all track and field meets.
• Participant and spectator parking is available at the Penn Museum Garage at South Street & Convention Avenue and the Penn Park Lot at 31st and Lower Walnut Streets.
• Additional off-campus parking is available at Cira South Garage located at 129 S. 30th Street.  This garage is accessible from Walnut Street with a walkway to the Ott Center through Penn Park.  https://bexpark.com/parking-location/cira-centre-south-garage/ 
• The Penn Medicine University City Station is the closest SEPTA Regional Rail stop to the Ott Center, located just a short walk away. This station is serviced by the Airport, Wilmington/Newark, and Media/Elwyn lines, providing a direct connection from various areas, including 30th Street Station, Center City, the Philadelphia International Airport, and the suburbs.
• The 30th Street Station is the nearest stop on the SEPTA Market-Frankford Line (MFL), Philadelphia’s primary east-west subway line. From 30th Street Station, it is about a 10-15 minute walk to the Ott Center. The MFL operates frequently and connects riders to major transit hubs, including the 69th Street Transportation Center and Frankford Transportation Center.
• SEPTA Trolley Routes 11, 13, 34, and 36 serve the UPenn area, with the nearest stop being the 33rd Street and Spruce Street stop. From there, it’s a brief walk to the Ott Center.
• Several SEPTA bus routes serve the University City area, including Routes 21, 42, and 40, which have stops near the Ott Center. These routes connect the UPenn campus to other neighborhoods across Philadelphia, providing convenient access for visitors.
• More information can be found on Penn’s Transportation, Parking, & Commuter Services website at https://transportation.upenn.edu/

Photography & Video

• All requests to film, photograph, and interview are permitted only with prior written approval from an Ott Center staff member.  Requests can be made through Eric Raumen, Assistant Director of Communications, at eraumen@upenn.edu
• Ott Center staff reserve the right to prohibit patrons from using any photographic or video device within the Ott Center. This includes the use of cameras, video recorders, cell phones, and wearable technology.
• Tripods and other peripheral equipment are prohibited without prior written approval.
• At times, Ott Center staff or independent contractors will be taking digital images, photographs, and or video of patrons for promotional and informational purposes.
• All those entering the Ott Center consent to the use of their name, portrait, picture, photograph or video as part of the University of Pennsylvania Department of Athletics.  Penn, its employees, agents, successors, assigns and those acting with its permission or on its behalf, the right and permission to use, copyright, publish, republish and distribute any such recording, video or photographs of them. Understanding that any such recording, videotape and/or photographs belong to Penn and that they will not receive any payment or other compensation in connection with such recording, video or photographs or for any use of them by Penn.  Penn may use such recording, video or photographs, in whole or in part, in any manner and in any media, including in composite, altered, or distorted form.  Waived is any right that they may have to inspect or approve the finished products or materials containing their likeness and/or voice, or the printed matter that may be used in connection with such recording, video or photographs.

Prohibited Items

• Prohibited items include but are not limited to:
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Animals or pets, except for service dogs
  • Artificial noisemakers
  • Bikes, scooters, skateboards, or any footwear with wheels
  • Coolers
  • Fireworks and open flames
  • Glass bottles and cans
  • Large quantities of food in containers such as pizza boxes or catering trays
  • Poles or sticks, including camera tripods
  • Purses or bags larger than 16” x 16” x 8”
  • Seat backs or bench cushions containing metal, wood, or hard plastic
  • Smoking or use of tobacco products.  Smoking is prohibited inside any building or within 20 feet of the entrance to any building in accordance with University policy (704.1). Tobacco products include all smoking methods, including but not limited to the use of electronic smoking devises (e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes)
  • Strollers
  • Use of obscene language or engaging in verbal or physical abuse of anyone inside or outside of the facility
  • Weapons (including off-duty police firearms), contraband, or any items deemed dangerous or inappropriate
• Guests attempting to enter the facility with any prohibited item(s) will be asked to dispose of such item(s) prior to entering. Ott Center staff reserves the right to deny access to any individual who does not comply with such policy or is deemed a threat to other patrons.

Statement of Risk

• Consulting a physician and receiving proper clearance prior to beginning an exercise regimen is strongly encouraged.
• Exercise may cause dizziness, exhaustion, or other symptoms that may put you at risk for injury.
• If you experience any physical abnormality, immediately stop exercising and contact the facility staff on duty.

Training Membership Eligibility Requirements

• Ott Center Training Membership is available to the following groups:
  • Public
    • No affiliation with Penn required
    • Price based on age/team affiliation
  • Penn Alumni
    • An individual who has completed a degree program at the University of Pennsylvania
  • Penn Faculty/Staff/Affiliate
    • Active employment at Penn 
    • Active employment at an affiliated health system (CHOP, HUP, PennMed)
  • Penn Student
    • Current enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania
  • Intercollegiate Team
    • Active rostered student-athlete of an intercollegiate team verified by current collegiate coach.

WiFi & Internet Access

• Wireless internet access is available for fans and visitors through the AirPennNet-Guest network.  For more information on accessing the University’s guest network, please click here.