Editing Franklin Field (section)

== 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.<ref name="franklin"/>

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.<ref name="franklin"/>