Five reasons to watch Penn basketball's home opener

So what are you going to do this Saturday? Homework? No! Watching Netflix? No! How about going to the Palestra to watch Penn basketball? Yes!

After watching the Penn football’s last home game, come to the Palestra for Penn basketball! Still on the fence? Here are five reasons why you should go:

1. The Palestra

Penn men’s basketball opener will be held in the famed Palestra. It is one of the oldest, still-standing gyms in the country. Home of the Big 5 since its beginning and having held more NCAA tournament games than any other arena, the Palestra has seen many victories and defeats. The Palestra is a basketball cathedral in its own right and is Philadelphia’s version of Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium (Cameron Indoor was actually modeled on the Palestra). It feels like you’re a part of history every time a game is played.

This arena encapsulates everything that Philly is about: tradition, camaraderie and a diamond in the rough. The Palestra is one of the most special gyms in America, and there’s nothing like playing or watching a game in the historic site. Come have another awesome Penn experience and cheer on your fellow Quakers!

2. Penn Spirit

Okay. So we all know that we could be a bit better in this category. Yes, many of our sports teams have had some pretty bad seasons lately, and yes, men’s basketball is one of these teams. However, that does not mean that you shouldn’t go to see them this Saturday. We are in Philadelphia, a city known for its die-hard fans. Time to embrace this competitive atmosphere. Show your Quakers pride by supporting the Red and Blue in their season opener this Saturday at 4:30pm in the Palestra.

3. The Start of Basketball Season

Winter is coming, and although it’ll be cold outside, what better would it be to spend the cold night inside the Palestra with your friends cheering on the Red and Blue. We all love this time of year: the passion, new chances and new opportunities. Everyone has the same chances and last year means nothing. Now, as you don on your scarves and sweaters, keep in mind that this might be one of the last times you will be able to walk to the Palestra without freezing. Plus, Penn Athletics is giving away free tickets to the first 100 students who show up. Free. We all love that word.

4. New Talent

Last year, Penn had a poor season. But there might be a turn around with the new recruits that the department brought in. In Philadelphia-76ers fashion, coach Jerome Allen is essentially rebuilding the men’s basketball program with half of the team composed of underclassmen. To quote Allen, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and the team is trying to build their way up to where they should be.

5. The Chance of Victory

The Quakers have been practicing hard this pre-season, and it’s time to see what they’ve been working on. The Red and Blue are sure to put their all into this game, especially since it might be a big factor in how the turnout of their next home games will be. Delaware State lost 21 games last year and Penn could very well be its first this season.

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