Franklin Field

Franklin Field is a historic stadium on the University of Pennsylvania campus, the oldest football stadium in the United States still in use for its original purpose. Opened in 1895, the stadium has hosted Penn football, professional football (including Philadelphia Eagles games from 1958-1970), the Penn Relays track meet, and countless other athletic and civic events. The stadium's horseshoe configuration and historic character distinguish it from modern facilities, while its role hosting the Penn Relays maintains its significance in American track and field.

History

Franklin Field opened in 1895 as the University of Pennsylvania's football stadium, replacing earlier facilities that could not accommodate growing crowds for college football. The stadium has been expanded and renovated multiple times, with the current configuration dating largely to 1922 renovations that created the familiar horseshoe shape. The stadium's capacity has varied through its history, peaking at over 60,000 before reductions that increased comfort while reducing total seating.

The Philadelphia Eagles played at Franklin Field from 1958 through 1970, bringing professional football to a collegiate facility before the construction of Veterans Stadium. This NFL tenure added to the stadium's history while demonstrating the facility's versatility. The 1960 NFL Championship game, in which the Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers, took place at Franklin Field, marking one of the stadium's most significant football moments.

Penn Relays

Franklin Field's track surrounds the football field, hosting the Penn Relays each April since 1895—the nation's oldest and largest track and field competition. The Penn Relays have defined Franklin Field's character as much as football, with the annual carnival attracting over 15,000 athletes and tens of thousands of spectators. This dual purpose as football stadium and track venue distinguishes Franklin Field from facilities designed for single sports.

The stadium's configuration, with spectators close to both track and field, creates intimate atmosphere for track meets that modern purpose-built facilities cannot replicate. The Penn Relays' traditions—including the Championship of America 4x100 and 4x400 relays—have made Franklin Field sacred ground in track and field culture. World records have been set on the track, and the venue's history encompasses much of American track and field's development.

Architecture

Franklin Field's design reflects early twentieth-century stadium construction, with concrete and steel structure supporting steep seating banks that bring spectators close to the action. The horseshoe configuration, open at one end, creates distinctive form while the covered stands on the west side provide weather protection for premium seating. The stadium's weathered character reflects a century of use while structural integrity has been maintained through ongoing renovation.

The stadium's University City location integrates it with Penn's campus, with 33rd Street providing the primary entrance. Unlike modern stadiums surrounded by parking lots, Franklin Field sits within walkable urban environment connected to campus buildings and neighborhood. This integration predates suburban stadium development while creating accessibility challenges for spectators arriving by car.

Significance

Franklin Field's status as the nation's oldest football stadium still used for its original purpose gives it historical significance beyond athletic function. The stadium has witnessed over a century of football, track and field, and other events that have shaped American sports culture. Preservation of this historic venue, rather than replacement with modern facilities, reflects recognition that history and character provide value that new construction cannot replicate.

See Also

• Penn Relays
• University of Pennsylvania
• The Palestra
• Philadelphia Eagles
• University City