Men's Toyota Big 5 Classic Tickets on Sale for Dec. 7 in Philadelphia

The men's Toyota Big 5 Classic is set to take place on December 7 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, featuring a college basketball tripleheader. The six participating Philadelphia teams will be divided into two pods: Drexel, La Salle, and Temple in one pod, while the University of Pennsylvania, Saint Joseph's, and Villanova will form the second pod. Each team will compete against the others in their pod at their respective home arenas prior to the event. On the day of the Classic, the top-seeded teams from each pod will compete for the Big 5 championship, while the second-place teams will vie for third place, and the third-seeded teams will battle for fifth place. This format not only adds excitement to the event but also emphasizes the competitive spirit among the local teams. The Big 5, a term coined by sports writer Herb Good, has a rich history dating back to its official formation in 1954. The round-robin play for city bragging rights began in 1955, with the first game occurring on December 14 of that year, where Saint Joseph's triumphed over Villanova. This longstanding tradition has fostered a strong rivalry and community engagement in Philadelphia's college basketball scene. As fans eagerly anticipate the event, the sale of tickets has commenced, allowing supporters to witness this thrilling showcase of local talent and rivalry. The Classic not only highlights the teams' skills but also reinforces the cultural significance of college basketball in Philadelphia.