Penn Relays - Franklin Field

Franklin Field

Franklin Field was opened in 1895 specifically for the first Penn Relays Carnival. In this same year, Franklin Field was the site of the nation's first scoreboard. According to the NCAA, Franklin Field is the oldest stadium that functions as both a football field and a track and field stadium. In the fall of 1903, it became the first permanent college stadium in the country and the first stadium with a horseshoe design. The stadium was rebuilt in 1922 to its present day form. The lower deck seating was made more stable and the upper deck seating was added to the stadium to allow for more spectators. After Franklin Field's renovations, it became the first two-tiered stadium and it became home to the first football game to be broadcasted on the radio. In 1967 the 10 lane synthetic track was added replacing the old over used track. In 2004, the football field became an artificial turf field. Franklin Field plays host to University of Pennsylvania football games and the Penn Relay Carnival.