A principal factor that led to the reshaping of Penn's history was the growing rivalry with Princeton, which was played out on the football field, in the design of the campus, and in aspects of campus life from rituals to songs. The rivalry between basketball teams is so intense that a large scoreboard, centered in the Palestra, is dedicated to keeping track of the schools' all-time record against each other.

Did You Know... As of February 2008, Penn has beaten Princeton three-straight times, and 11 of the last 13 times. Overall, the Quakers lead the series over the Tigers, 120-97.