April 18, 2017
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
Athletes compete in the high school girls' 4x800-meter relays, Thursday, April 28, 2016, at the Penn Relays.
A huge sporting event will take place April 27-29 in Philadelphia, and we aren't talking about the NFL draft.
The University of Pennsylvania's Franklin Field will host the 123rd Penn Relays Carnival, where athletes from all over the world compete at various levels.
The annual track & field event draws huge crowds, up to 100,000, over the three-day carnival.
Athletes compete in relay races, hurdles, pole vault, long jump, javelin, shot put, short- and long-distance races and other events.
Spectators often witness top track & field competitors break records and begin their Olympic careers, especially in the USA versus The World series. On the last day of the Penn Relays Carnival, elite athletes compete in the 4x100, 4x400 and sprint medley.
Those watching the track & field events, supporting the athletes or finished with their own races can enjoy the accompanying food, drink and shopping festival.
Throughout the three days, street vendors will sell sports merchandise, fan gear and food at and around the field. Sponsors will host giveaways and games.
Tickets are required to enter the field. There are three-day passes, single-day tickets and a VIP experience package available. The Penn Relays are a rain-or-shine event.
To get to Franklin Field, those coming from out of town can take Amtrak to 30th Street Station. The stadium is within walking distance.
Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29
Franklin Field at University of Pennsylvania
235 S. 33rd St.
