35 College Stadiums That Are More Iconic Than the Teams That Play There

4. Franklin Field: University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)

Each year, the University of Pennsylvania kicks off the year for its freshman class with convocation inside Franklin Field, its longstanding football stadium. This is an image from August 2023, for the Penn undergraduate class of 2027. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @DfbJZ

Franklin Field isn’t just another stadium—it is the oldest active college football stadium in America, having opened in 1895. Its age alone makes it a landmark, but Franklin Field has also been a pioneer in stadium innovation. It was the first stadium in the United States to feature a two-tiered seating structure, allowing for a larger capacity and better fan experience. Over the years, it has hosted everything from NFL games (it was home to the Philadelphia Eagles from 1958 to 1970) to the world-famous Penn Relays, the longest-running track and field competition in the country. Perhaps its most infamous moment came in 1968, when Eagles fans booed and threw snowballs at Santa Claus during a game—one of the most notorious incidents in NFL history. Though Penn football doesn’t command national attention, Franklin Field’s storied past, pioneering architecture, and rich sports history make it a must-visit for any football fan.

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Akanksha Sharma
I’m an editor working at the intersection of business, creativity, and thought leadership, shaping complex ideas into clear, impactful content. With a sharp editorial eye and a strategic mindset, I refine narratives that resonate, collaborate with industry leaders, and align storytelling with business goals. Balancing analytical precision with creative depth, I craft content that informs, inspires, and drives influence.

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