The Penn State men's basketball team will return to one of college basketball’s most iconic stages when the Nittany Lions take on Pitt on Sunday, Nov. 8, inside Philadelphia's historic Palestra. The matchup will celebrate the Palestra's 100th anniversary while renewing an in-state rivalry for the 150th all-time meeting between Penn State and Pitt.
"Games like this are what college basketball is all about: great history, passionate fan bases and high-level competition," said Peter and Ann Tombros Endowed Head Coach Mike Rhoades. "The Palestra is one of the most iconic venues in college basketball, and the opportunity to celebrate its 100th anniversary while renewing an in-state rivalry for the 150th time makes this a special event for everyone connected to our program. We know there will be tremendous energy in the building, and we’re excited for our players to experience that atmosphere as they represent Penn State. We can’t wait to take the floor in Philadelphia and compete.”
The Palestra has long been intertwined with Penn State basketball history. The Nittany Lions played their first game inside the famed arena on Jan. 27, 1927, less than a month after the building officially opened on New Year's Day. Penn State's longtime home, Rec Hall, was designed by the same architect, Charles Klauder, with construction beginning just weeks after the Palestra opened before Rec Hall debuted in January 1929.
Penn State enters the milestone 150th matchup with Pitt leading the all-time series 76-73. It marks the second-straight season the longtime Keystone State rivals will meet at a neutral site after facing off at the GIANT Center in Hershey during the 2025-26 season.
The Nittany Lions have played 64 previous games at the Palestra and own a 25-39 all-time record in the historic building, including a 15-11 mark against opponents other than Penn. Penn State has found success in recent years in Philadelphia, winning five of its last eight games at the Palestra and 14 of its last 24 contests in the venue.
The Nittany Lions have hosted six Big Ten games inside the Palestra in recent years, creating several memorable moments inside the Cathedral of College Basketball. The Nittany Lions earned a 72-63 victory over Michigan State in 2017 in the first regular-season Big Ten game played in Philadelphia, upset No. 23 Iowa 89-86 in front of a sold-out crowd in 2020, rallied from a 14-point deficit to defeat Michigan 79-73 in 2024 and have continued to showcase power conference basketball on one of the sport's most iconic stages.
Game time, television information and ticket details will be announced at a later date.
The 2026-27 Nittany Lions
Penn State will enter its fourth season under Peter and Ann Tombros Endowed Head Coach Mike Rhoades in 2026-27. The Nittany Lions boast a veteran roster for 2026-27 that is filled with experienced and proven producers who bring a combination of versatility, physicality and high-level competitive success to Happy Valley.
About The Palestra
Known as the "Cathedral of College Basketball," the Palestra is recognized as one of the country’s most iconic venues. Located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, the Palestra has hosted countless memorable games since opening in 1927 and remains one of the most revered arenas in college basketball. Its intimate atmosphere, historic architecture and unparalleled legacy have made it a bucket-list destination for players, coaches and fans from across the country. The 2026-27 season marks the 100th Anniversary of the Historic Palestra.