What is the Big 5?
La Salle University, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University and St. Joe’s men’s basketball teams have competed in the Big 5 to showcase their talents in Philadelphia since 1955. The Penn athletic director at the time, Jerry Ford, created the Big 5 to feature the local teams and to help pay off the upkeep of Penn’s basketball court, the Palestra. This soon became the start of an important and competitive tradition.
What changes are new this year?
Drexel University was announced as an addition to the Big 5 tournament April 11 of last year. With six teams now competing, the series was reformatted. The new round-robin schedule consists of two pods: La Salle, Drexel and Temple in pod one, and Penn, St. Joe’s and Villanova in pod two. Each team plays the other two teams in their pod schedule. The championship game, which used to be hosted at the Palestra, will be held at the Wells Fargo Center Dec. 2. The teams will compete in a triple-header where the first-place team from each pod will compete for the title, while the second-place teams will compete for third-place and the third-place teams compete for fifth.
How can students get tickets?
An email was sent to all students from St. Joe’s Athletics Nov. 13, offering them a chance to claim their free ticket with transportation while supplies last by filling out the Google Form provided. The tickets will be digitally delivered the week of the game. For non-students who are looking to buy a ticket, tickets are available on the Wells Fargo Center website for $45. One ticket will guarantee entry to all three games.
