Was at the Palestra last night for a Big 5 doubleheader. Whatever magic the City Series used to have was in short supply. No chants, no banners, no bands, no streamers, no sense that the rivalries had much meaning anymore. inquirer.com/sports/philade…
@MikeSielski @jensenoffcampus Sigh. You're right. Still loved being there...
@MikeSielski @ByDavidMurphy I’d give anything to hear one of the old man’s stories about Big 5 games at the Palestra again! Ashame it isn’t what it once was. A highschool game between the top 2 city teams would probably draw more.
@MikeSielski How to fix the Big 5: 1) Change to @jensenoffcampus' weekend tournament format 2) Invite Penn State as the 6th team, whose rosters are now stocked w/Philly kids + whose fans will show up. 3) I love the Palestra, but this would be a great event for the new Sixers arena
@MikeSielski This will always be Rollie Massimino’s fault
@MikeSielski Excellent piece. It was magic back in the day (I remember watching DHs on Channel 17 in the late 60’s and early 70’s) — place was loud, packed, passionate — perfect. Then the world got a lot bigger, entertainment options expanded. The fervor dissipated, the intensity waned.
@MikeSielski Has been on this path since Villanova and Temple became national powers in the 80s. When they stopped playing all the games at the Palestra. Then they cut back on games due to ncaa regs on games played. But the biggest factor was not being able to have their own tv contract...