The Big 5 Double Header is Back!

Nick Mandarano

The 2015-2016 season will be the 60th anniversary of Big 5 basketball and in celebration, the Philadelphia Big 5 announced that the classic doubleheader at the Palestra will return for this upcoming year on Wednesday, January 20th, 2016! The doubleheader will consist of La Salle hosting Temple and Penn hosting Saint Joseph's. The last time the Big 5 held a true doubleheader was in December of 2004 when Penn defeated La Salle, 78-67, and Temple beat Villanova, 53-52. Saint Joseph's also played at the Palestra that day and lost to Drexel, 57-49, for a City Six "triple-header."

"The Athletics Directors wanted to do something very special to celebrate this unique achievement," said Steve Bilsky, Executive Director of The Big 5. "We thought nothing would capture its history better than a competition to be held in the famed Cathedral of Basketball. The fact that we were able to pull it off in a very challenging college basketball scheduling environment is a credit to the AD's, coaches, and conference commissioners, all of whom displayed tremendous perseverance and flexibility."

According to a Temple Basketball press release:

Ticket information and other facts about the celebration will be available through the Big 5 office and the websites of LaSalle University and The University of Pennsylvania. All inquiries can be emailed to steve@philadelphiabig5.org.

Each of the involved head coaches have been asked to comment, and I will update the article as they flow in. Personally, I'm excited. The Big 5 is one of the most historical and traditional aspects of college basketball. As an avid, but young fan of the sport, I never had a chance to witness the Big 5 doubleheaders at the Palestra or the confetti on the court after the first basket. Any true college basketball fan that understands the history behind the Big 5 should also be thrilled.

Fran Dunphy, Temple: "The Big 5 is a special part of the fabric of Philadelphia sports. It is held in high regard nationally, and is treasured by Philadelphia college basketball fans locally. We are happy to be taking part in this true Big 5 doubleheader to honor its 60 years of existence."

Steve Donahue, Penn: “This is how Philadelphia first fell in love with college basketball. By seeing two great games and four great teams in one night in what I think is the most intimate setting to watch a game, The Palestra. January 20 should be an incredible evening for college basketball fans, and we are so excited to be a part of it and have the classic ‘Big 5 Doubleheader’ return to The Palestra.”

John Giannini, La Salle: "Coaching Big 5 games in the Palestra are some of the best experiences I have had in coaching. The great competition, the venue, the tradition, the rivalries, and the loud, passionate, split crowds create a most unique environment."