University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt To Face Penn State At The Historic Palestra For 100th Anniversary Season
7/8/2026 11:14:00 AM | Men's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Two of Pennsylvania's premier college basketball programs will meet on one of the sport's most iconic stages when Pitt and Penn State square off at the historic Palestra on Sunday, Nov. 8. The game will be hosted in celebration of the Palestra's 100th Anniversary.
This will be the 150th meeting and marks the second straight neutral site battle between the two programs. The most recent matchup took place on Dec. 21, 2025, at the GIANT Center in Hershey, Pa. where Pitt defeated Penn State, 80-46. Penn State narrowly leads the all-time series, 76-73.
"Every basketball player and coach in this country understands the significance of playing at the Palestra," Pitt Head Coach Jeff Capel said. "It's one of the great venues in the history of the sport, and to play Penn State there in its 100th Anniversary year is a truly unique opportunity. Our players will be walking into a building with a century of history behind it, and after the atmosphere we saw in Hershey last year, I can't wait to see the energy our fans bring to a place like the Palestra."
The Panthers are 7-15 all-time inside the Palestra and will be playing on the historic court for the 23rd time. Pitt has not played there since defeating Penn 78-58 on Nov. 25, 2011. On top of the previous 22 appearances, Pitt played two Olympic trial tournament games at the Palestra in 1935-36, defeating St. John's 29-21 and losing to Temple 41-37.
"Games like this are what college basketball is all about: great history, passionate fan bases and high-level competition," Penn State Head Coach Mike Rhoades said. "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 Nittany Lions have visited the Palestra 65 times in its program's history. In recent years, Penn State has hosted an annual Big Ten opponent at the historic arena.
Game time, television information and ticket details will be announced at a later date.
Fans are encouraged to visit the official athletics websites of Pitt and Penn State for additional information as it becomes available.
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.
