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Gameday at The Palestra: Landmark Conference Returns for Year Three; Greyhounds to Face Lycoming in a Doubleheader

Marquis Ratcliff and Brielle Guarente compete in The Palestra for the Greyhounds. Photos by Cosmic Fox Media / Matthew Levine '11

TOWSON, Md. --- In what's now becoming tradition, the Landmark Conference is set to take center stage at the historic Palestra for the third straight year.

Following the success of the events the last two years, the Landmark is excited to bring its marquee matchups back to this storied arena. 

Event Details:
Date: Sunday, January 12, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m., 2:30, p.m., 5:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Venue: The Palestra (223 S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104)

"The Landmark Conference is honored to return to the Palestra for a third consecutive year, marking a significant milestone in the tradition we are building with this legendary venue," exclaimed league commissioner, Katie Boldvich. "The opportunity to play in a place steeped in history and revered by college basketball fans is truly special for our student-athletes and fans alike. We are proud to carry on this tradition, allowing our conference to be part of the rich legacy that the Palestra represents in the world of college basketball."

Similar to years past, the 2025 Gameday at the Palestra will feature four total games, two on the men's side and two on the women's side. Both genders from Elizabethtown College, Lycoming College, Moravian University, and Wilkes University will participate this year.

Game Schedule
12:00 p.m.: Elizabethtown College vs Wilkes University (women)
2:30 p.m.: Elizabethtown College vs Wilkes University (men)
5:00 p.m.: Lycoming College vs Moravian University (women)
7:30 p.m.: Lycoming College vs Moravian University (men)

"There are few buildings that have meant as much to the game of college basketball as the Palestra," stated Lycoming College head men's basketball coach, Mark Linebaugh. "It will be a great teaching experience for me that I will be excited about, being able to share some stories from the building's past with the team."

Lycoming head women's basketball coach, Shane Rottier shared similar thoughts. "There are not many times that you get to play on a neutral floor with so much excitement surrounding the game," he said. "The previous success of the Landmark Conference's days at the Palestra has shown that the conference's fan base is willing to 'travel,' especially when it's to a renowned facility in our own backyard. I am excited to see Lycoming's fan base add to what will undoubtedly be a great environment."

Known as the "Cathedral of College Basketball," The Palestra opened its doors in 1927, making it the oldest major college arena still in use today. It has hosted more games, more visiting teams, and more NCAA tournaments than any other facility of its kind. It is currently home to the Philadelphia Big 5 Championship. 

The participating programs will have the opportunity to play in a memorable location that has seen great players like Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Oscar Robertson, all of whom played as members of visiting teams. 

"We are extremely excited to be playing at the historic Palestra this season," said Wilkes University head men's basketball coach, Izzi Metz. "We appreciate the Landmark Conference giving us this special opportunity." 

"Our team is thrilled and grateful to have the opportunity to compete at the Palestra," echoed Wilkes head women's basketball coach, Al Berger. "Our women's basketball program and the Landmark Conference are committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience, and the opportunity to play at the Cathedral of College Basketball is a strong example of that commitment. We're proud to represent the Landmark this year, and are thankful for this opportunity in our second year in the conference." 

Additional information regarding ticket sales will be made available in the coming weeks. To ensure you don't miss any details, bookmark the Landmark in your browser. Be sure to follow the Landmark on our favored social media platforms.

- Twitter | @LandmarkConf

- Instagram | @landmark_conf

What Else They Are Saying

"Playing in an iconic venue again with my team is not just about the game; it's about the history that will surround us, the energy of the crowd, and the opportunity to share this memory with our men's program. This doubleheader format serves as a unique chance to compete on the Palestra floor and form our own legacy. We are excited and grateful for the experience." - Mary Beth Spirk, Moravian Director of Athletics and Women's Basketball Coach

"We are very excited about playing at The Palestra again this year. It is such a great experience for our players and staff.  We are very grateful to Katie Boldvich and the Landmark Conference for continuing to provide this opportunity." - Darryl Keckler, Moravian University, Men's Basketball Coach

"For our returning student-athletes, competing at the Palestra last season was an amazing experience. I am looking forward to seeing the faces of our newest players as they soak in the historic atmosphere of the arena before the game. It's a great opportunity for the entire team to create another shared memory with their teammates and coaches." - Veronica Nolt, Elizabethtown College, Women's Basketball Coach

"We are honored to have the chance to return to the Palestra, a venue that holds such a significant place in college basketball history. It's a great opportunity for our team to experience the atmosphere and tradition that make the Palestra special." - Britt Moore, Elizabethtown College, Men's Basketball Coach

"Growing up in DelCo, I remember going to some of the great matchups in the Big 5 at the Palestra. Stepping into the Palestra is always kind of a timeless thing and that's what makes it special. I know I am excited to see Lycoming College play at the Cathedral – I wouldn't miss it." – Mike Clark, Lycoming College, Director of Athletics

"I am so pleased that our men's and women's basketball teams will be taking part in the Landmark Conference's annual basketball games at the Palestra this winter. The Palestra is a legendary college basketball facility and I know our student-athletes and fans are going to appreciate getting a chance to participate in this event." - Scott Musa, Wilkes University, Athletic Director