Penn Athletics announced an initiative on Thursday to celebrate the rich history of Franklin Field, now in its 125th year.
File Photo.
After 125 years, it's still going strong.
This year, Penn’s historic Franklin Field turns 125 years old, and to celebrate its long history, Penn Athletics has begun a 125 Years of Franklin Field Celebration, in which special events will be hosted at the stadium throughout the year.
According to the Athletics Department, which announced this initiative on Thursday, these events include special programming at the 2019 Penn Relays, held Apr. 25-27, and at next season’s football home opener against Dartmouth on Oct. 5.
"Franklin Field has played an important role in the history of Penn Athletics and college football, and by hosting Penn lacrosse and the nation's oldest and largest track and field meet each year, but its impact goes far beyond that," Director of Athletics and Recreation M. Grace Calhoun said in a statement.
Showcases and photo exhibits of Franklin Field will also be open throughout the year. Additionally, Penn football will celebrate 150 years of college football with its annual rivalry game for the Trustees’ Cup versus Cornell. This year’s game will be played at the Frank on Nov. 9.
Also on Thursday, Penn celebrated the 313th birthday of its founder, Benjamin Franklin. The Thriving at Penn event group hosted a "Day of Play" in the Bistro at Houston Hall, which was done to honor Franklin.
More events will be announced in the coming months, and fans should expect frequent updates as part of Penn Athletics' monthly “Great Moments in Franklin Field History” social media campaigns.
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