Editing The Palestra (section)

== Basketball Tradition ==

The Palestra has hosted more college basketball games than any venue in history, with estimates exceeding 5,000 games since opening. Beyond Big 5 contests, the arena has hosted NCAA Tournament games, conference tournaments, high school championships, and other basketball events that have added to its historic significance. Hall of Fame players and coaches have competed in the Palestra, with the venue's history encompassing much of college basketball's twentieth-century development.<ref name="palestra"/>

The Big 5 tradition remains central to the Palestra's identity, though conference realignment and television contracts have dispersed Big 5 games across multiple venues. Select Big 5 games continue occurring at the Palestra, maintaining connection to traditions that made Philadelphia basketball distinctive. Penn's home games anchor the current schedule, with the arena continuing to provide atmosphere that distinguishes it from newer facilities.<ref name="palestra"/>