Sounds as though a bunch of us will be at the Keystone Classic. I'll be there. Hopefully, we can chat a bit during the event. The biggest challenge could be identifying each other. I should recognize NoVa, as well as Roar (think he's coming). Hopefully, I'll get to meet more of you at the event.
Some details that will be of assistance to those coming to the event:
1. wrestling starts at 9 am
2. the Palestra doors open at 8 am
3. seating is GA
4. to accommodate the 6 mats, the lower level seats will be moved, so we're going to be in the upper level. I was hoping that they would open up the lower level seats for the finals, but I just checked with Penn Athletics and they indicated that would not be the case
5. parking can be a nuisance. There are parking meters on 33rd Street, Walnut Street, and 34th Street. However, they limit you to a few hours of parking, and the Philadelphia Parking Authority is aggressive about ticketing cars that don't move (even if you put more money in the meter)
6. There are parking lots within a block or two of the Palestra. Generally, they charge $12 to park for the day. For some athletic events they charge game day prices of $15, but Penn Athletics was not sure if that would be the case on Sunday
7. My recommendation for parking is the lot at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. It's very convenient for those exiting I-76 at South Street, as it's about a block from the exit, at the corner of South Street & Convention Avenue (it would be to your left, after driving on South Street for a block, after getting off I-76). (For those using a GPS, set it to 3220 South Street, Philadelphia, PA.) There's also a lot near 31st Street & Walnut Street. Unfortunately, due to the Philadelphia Marathon being run on Sunday morning, there's a good chance you can't get to that lot on Sunday morning. If the Museum lot is full, you could continue on South Street until 34th Street, then turn left, and then park in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania parking garage (it will be on the left side of the street, after you turn onto 34th Street).
8. There is a small lot right next to the Palestra, between the Palestra and Franklin Field. It's often closed for big events, and I neglected to ask Penn Athletics about it. If you're feeling lucky, take your chances, but if it's closed then you're kind of in a loop, as you'll have to go up to Walnut Street, then turn left, then turn left on 34th Street, then turn left onto South Street to go back to the Museum garage.
9. There are concession stands in the Palestra. Kind of typical arena food -- so-so quality, and somewhat expensive
10. you can bring a bag or backpack with you, but it's not supposed to be larger than 12"x12"x6"
11. you can bring food in your bag/backback
12. glass bottles and cans are not permitted, alcohol is not permitted, and coolers are not permitted
13. Penn Athletics indicated that there will be a break between the Semifinal round (believe it is scheduled for 2:30) and the Final round (roughly slated for 5:30). How long the break will be depends on how long the semis take, as well as how long it takes to roll up the extra mats and prepare for the finals
14. If there's time between the semis and the finals, perhaps some would be interested in getting a bit to eat at a local restaurant, a drink, etc. The closest locations that might satisfy this are about 2 blocks away: Mad Mex, New Deck Tavern, White Dog Cafe. About 3 blocks away (in the other direction) is a Saladworks. There are many more options 4 or more blocks away, but it's questionable if there will be enough time to go there and be back for the finals. We'll have to see what folks are interested in, as well as how much time we have. (Since seating is GA, there's also the issue of trying to get a decent seat for the finals.)
Since I'll be at the Keystone Classic, I won't be able to provide PBP on the board. Audio coverage will be streamed from GoPSUsports.com for free. Video coverage of the Classic is being streamed by FloWrestling for subscribers ($$). I hope somebody will start a Keystone Classic thread. I'll try to chirp in with some posts during the day.
Hopefully, the above is helpful for many of you that are attending the Keystone Classic. If I didn't cover something for which you have a question, post it and I'll try to answer it.
Some details that will be of assistance to those coming to the event:
1. wrestling starts at 9 am
2. the Palestra doors open at 8 am
3. seating is GA
4. to accommodate the 6 mats, the lower level seats will be moved, so we're going to be in the upper level. I was hoping that they would open up the lower level seats for the finals, but I just checked with Penn Athletics and they indicated that would not be the case
5. parking can be a nuisance. There are parking meters on 33rd Street, Walnut Street, and 34th Street. However, they limit you to a few hours of parking, and the Philadelphia Parking Authority is aggressive about ticketing cars that don't move (even if you put more money in the meter)
6. There are parking lots within a block or two of the Palestra. Generally, they charge $12 to park for the day. For some athletic events they charge game day prices of $15, but Penn Athletics was not sure if that would be the case on Sunday
7. My recommendation for parking is the lot at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. It's very convenient for those exiting I-76 at South Street, as it's about a block from the exit, at the corner of South Street & Convention Avenue (it would be to your left, after driving on South Street for a block, after getting off I-76). (For those using a GPS, set it to 3220 South Street, Philadelphia, PA.) There's also a lot near 31st Street & Walnut Street. Unfortunately, due to the Philadelphia Marathon being run on Sunday morning, there's a good chance you can't get to that lot on Sunday morning. If the Museum lot is full, you could continue on South Street until 34th Street, then turn left, and then park in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania parking garage (it will be on the left side of the street, after you turn onto 34th Street).
8. There is a small lot right next to the Palestra, between the Palestra and Franklin Field. It's often closed for big events, and I neglected to ask Penn Athletics about it. If you're feeling lucky, take your chances, but if it's closed then you're kind of in a loop, as you'll have to go up to Walnut Street, then turn left, then turn left on 34th Street, then turn left onto South Street to go back to the Museum garage.
9. There are concession stands in the Palestra. Kind of typical arena food -- so-so quality, and somewhat expensive
10. you can bring a bag or backpack with you, but it's not supposed to be larger than 12"x12"x6"
11. you can bring food in your bag/backback
12. glass bottles and cans are not permitted, alcohol is not permitted, and coolers are not permitted
13. Penn Athletics indicated that there will be a break between the Semifinal round (believe it is scheduled for 2:30) and the Final round (roughly slated for 5:30). How long the break will be depends on how long the semis take, as well as how long it takes to roll up the extra mats and prepare for the finals
14. If there's time between the semis and the finals, perhaps some would be interested in getting a bit to eat at a local restaurant, a drink, etc. The closest locations that might satisfy this are about 2 blocks away: Mad Mex, New Deck Tavern, White Dog Cafe. About 3 blocks away (in the other direction) is a Saladworks. There are many more options 4 or more blocks away, but it's questionable if there will be enough time to go there and be back for the finals. We'll have to see what folks are interested in, as well as how much time we have. (Since seating is GA, there's also the issue of trying to get a decent seat for the finals.)
Since I'll be at the Keystone Classic, I won't be able to provide PBP on the board. Audio coverage will be streamed from GoPSUsports.com for free. Video coverage of the Classic is being streamed by FloWrestling for subscribers ($$). I hope somebody will start a Keystone Classic thread. I'll try to chirp in with some posts during the day.
Hopefully, the above is helpful for many of you that are attending the Keystone Classic. If I didn't cover something for which you have a question, post it and I'll try to answer it.
