The Palestra, what's that?

In Ancient Greece, young men would compete in a variety of events in a rectangular enclosure, a PALESTRA, in view of spectators. In general, it was a place for athletic activity. A historic example of the modern day gymnasium.

As well, the Palestra is the name of the basketball arena at the University of Pennsylvania and the inspiration for the name of this blog. Over the years, I have become enamored with history, especially with historical venues, that seem to have so many stories echoing from their walls. Be it Wrigley Field, Pat's King of Steaks, or Birdland. For my final paper in my Sports in America class, taught by the venerable JJG, I chose to write on the Palestra. There were many tales to tell of the Palestra, its place in Philadelphia sports, its use as the focal point for the Big 5 Philly basketball colleges, and its role in helping create racial equality in the city of brotherly love and college basketball. Quite the inspiration.