July 31, 2017
Source/Penn Athletics
The Palestra court undergoes renovations during the summer of 2017.
At 90 years old, the famed Palestra at the University of Pennsylvania has hosted more basketball games than any other facility in the college ranks.
Whenever hardwood has borne the brunt of that many squeaking sneakers, it's probably due for more than a touch-up.
After a $2 million renovation added a museum to the historic arena in 2000, a new maple floor was installed in 2008 and several technology enhancements have since followed. Upgrades and enhancements aside, the building has never lost the atmosphere of a gym, a place where the bleachers and a dingy odor feel special.
In recent months, Penn Athletics tackled another overhaul of the court, installing wood with a water-based finish instead of oil to help ensure greater longevity.
On Monday, the department shared a time-lapse video of the latest renovation, giving a revealing glimpse of what goes into the construction and detailing of an illustrious basketball court. Check out the video below.
