* Athletes compete at the 2022 Penn Relays
Photo Credit: Penn Relays
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The Penn Relays is the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, hosted annually since April 21, 1895 by the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the meet.
What are the dates of this year's Penn Relays?
The 2023 Relays will be April 27th-29th. The Relays are always the last Saturday in April and the two days preceding. It is NOT always the last full weekend.
Are the Penn Relays televised?
The Penn Relays presented by Toyota will be live-streamed every day on Flotrack.
When do tickets go on sale?
Ticket sales for the general public began on January 30, 2023. Ticket prices increase in April and on race days. You can purchase single day tickets here.
Is there youth ticket pricing available?
There is no youth ticket pricing available for the 2023 Penn Relays.
Are group tickets available?
Group tickets will not be available for the 2023 Penn Relays. Elementary, middle and high schools attending Thursday or Friday of Penn Relays qualify for the School Days discount. Visit the School Days page of The Penn Relays site for more information.
What happens if there is rain?
The Penn Relays is a rain-or-shine event. There is no rain date schedule for the Penn Relays. The meet will be delayed for lightning. Meet officials advise that umbrellas are prohibited from being brought into Franklin Field.Can I ride the train to The Penn Relays?
Yes. Amtrak offers service to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station, which is just a few blocks walk from Franklin Field.
Can I take public transportation to The Penn Relays?
Yes. SEPTA offers subway service via the Market-Frankford Line, which stops at the 30th Street Station or 34th & Market Streets. The SEPTA Regional Rail has stops at the 30th Street Station or just outside Franklin Field at the Penn Medicine Station.
Is there parking near Franklin Field?
Yes. Limited parking is available on Penn's campus for $25. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The following garages will be open for The Penn Relays:
- Museum Garage, South & Convention Street (Accepts cash and credit)
- Chestnut 34, 34th & Chestnut Streets (Accepts cash and credit)
- Walnut 38, 38th & Walnut Streets (Accepts cash and credit)
- Walnut 40, 40th & Walnut Streets (ONLY accepts credit)
For more information, visit upenn.edu/parking.
Who can participate in The Penn Relays?
The Penn Relays draws more than 15,000 participants from across the United States and abroad each spring. The athletes range in age from pre-teen to nonagenarian. The event also attracts more than 110,000 spectators.
Do I have to qualify for The Penn Relays?
According to the Penn Relays regulations, athletes can only compete in one of the nine individual events. Athletes who hit the qualifying standard do not automatically gain entry. Additionally, teams competing in the 4x100 and 4x400 do not qualify.
What are the entry fees?
Entry fees are $50 for each relay entered and $25 for each individual event entered. Entry fees are non-refundable processing fees.
How do I pay past due entry fees?
Contact the Penn Relays office by e-mail at pennrela@pobox.upenn.edu or phone at (215) 898-6145.
Why didn't we get entry information this year?
If your school or club did not compete at the Penn Relays in 2018 and 2019, you have been placed on our inactive list. You may have also been placed on the inactive list if you have a past-due bill. To ask for reinstatement and/or to pay a past-due entry fee, contact us by e-mail at pennrela@pobox.upenn.edu or phone at (215) 898-6145.
What is the deadline for entering?
Deadlines vary for the different levels. However, the deadline for high school entries is always the fourth Monday before the Relays and the third Monday before Relays for colleges. Club and open individual entries are due the Friday before the college deadline.
When does entry information get sent to me?
Entry packets will be e-mailed mid-to late-February for those schools that are on our active list.
How do I enter a team or individual?
Make certain you have your entry password that has been e-mailed either to you or to your athletic director. The information included with this year's password will give you instructions about the entry process. The first two digits of the password are the current year; i.e., "23" for 2023. Each gender has a separate password for the same school.
How do I enter my school?
If your school has never been to the Penn Relays, or if has been several years since you were last here, click here to request entry information. You should fill out the information requested (please include your school's website address). Filling out the requested information will get you onto our mailing list, unless we need to contact you for clarification.
What prizes are awarded at The Penn Relays?
The full list of prizes awarded to top finishers at The Penn Relays can be found here.
Can I bring my school to the Penn Relays on a field trip?
Yes. Information on how to purchase tickets through the Penn Relays School Days Program can be found HERE.
Can I bring my bag into Franklin Field?
That depends on the size of the bag. Bags must be smaller than 16"x16"x8" and will be subject to a search by security personnel.
No large bags, like duffel/equipment bags, or backpacks will be permitted. Exceptions may be made for participants and coaches. All bags are subject to search by security personnel.
Can I bring food into The Penn Relays?
Outside food must be wrapped in clear plastic and fit inside a clear 12" x 6" x 12" bag or clear one gallon freezer bag. There is a limit of one food bag per guest. Large quantities of food items in containers such as pizza boxes or catering trays are prohibited. Concessions stands and food vendors are located throughout the concourse, Carnival Village and in Penn Park Village. Fans can bring in sealed plastic water bottles, juice boxes or pouches. Other prohibited items include coolers, glass bottles, cans, and alcohol. Full list of permitted and prohibited items.
Is The Penn Relays impacted by COVID-19?
Spectators are not required to show proof of vaccination to gain admission through designated fan entrance gates. Spectators should continue to monitor their health symptoms daily and not attend the 2022 Penn Relays if they are sick. Masks are currently not required to be worn indoors, however spectators should feel welcome to wear masks both indoors and outdoors as they feel comfortable.