TOWSON, Md. - The Landmark Conference is excited to announce the official pairings for its annual Gameday at the Palestra, set for Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the historic Palestra in Philadelphia.
In the summer of 2022, the league’s Directors of Athletics made a unanimous decision to enhance the student-athlete experience by offering the conference’s men’s and women’s basketball programs the opportunity to compete at the iconic Palestra. Now heading into its fourth year, this signature event has become a tradition for the league, and an ongoing commitment to elevating the game-day experience for its student-athletes.
“The Palestra has quickly become a true Landmark tradition. What started as a bold idea just four years ago is now an expectation, and we’re proud of the partnership with Penn that makes it possible,” said Landmark Commissioner Katie Boldvich. “Everyone was surprised when we first brought our programs here, and now we’re at the point of teams returning for a second opportunity. That’s truly special and speaks volumes about our collaboration and commitment as a conference to creating meaningful experiences for our student-athletes.”
The 2026 Gameday will feature the following matchups:
Men’s Basketball Pairings:
- Catholic University vs Drew University
- Goucher College vs Juniata College
Women’s Basketball Pairings
- Lycoming College vs Moravian University
- University of Scranton vs Susquehanna University
“The opportunity to showcase Landmark basketball and compete in one of the nation’s most storied arenas is truly special, and we appreciate all the work done behind the scenes by our conference leadership to make this happen,” said Greg Curley, head men’s basketball coach at Juniata College. “Our team is very excited to share the same floor graced by so many great teams, players, and coaches. For anyone who loves basketball and has any understanding of the history of the sport, it doesn’t get any better.”
"I'm beyond excited to play at The Palestra this season with our Susquehanna Women's Basketball team,” echoed Gabby Holko, head basketball coach for the River Hawks. “Known as the 'Cathedral of College Basketball,' The Palestra is a historic venue, and it's an incredible opportunity for our girls to experience that magic. We’re also thrilled to have so many amazing families, alumni, and recruits in the Philly area that we can’t wait to see them in the stands! Huge thanks to the Landmark Conference for making this happen again for our program!"
Known as the "Cathedral of College Basketball," The Palestra opened its doors in 1927, making it the oldest major college arena still in use today. It has hosted more games, more visiting teams, and more NCAA tournaments than any other facility of its kind. It is currently home to the Philadelphia Big 5 Championship.
The participating programs will have the opportunity to play in a memorable location that has seen great players like Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, all of whom played as members of visiting teams.
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What Else They Are Saying
“We are thrilled to return to Philadelphia this season for the Landmark’s annual Game Day at the Palestra. This event has proven to be a great experience, not only for our players but also for our alumni, many of whom have strong Philadelphia ties. We had a great show of support in 2023 and hope for the same in 2026!” -
Aaron Kelly, Catholic Men’s Basketball Coach
"It is an incredible honor for our program to return to the Palestra. The opportunity to compete in such a storied building creates an unforgettable experience for everyone involved with Drew Men's Basketball. We are very much looking forward to participating in this year's Landmark Conference event at the Palestra." -
Ryan Van Zelst, Drew Men’s Basketball Coach
"We're looking forward to competing at The Palestra this season.......it's one of the most renowned and historic arenas in basketball. The opportunity to play at The Palestra has been a great event for the Landmark Conference over the past few years, and we're excited to be back." -
Justin Klingman, Goucher Men’s Basketball Coach
“The Landmark Conference always does a tremendous job hosting the Gameday at the Palestra. We are excited to go back to the Cathedral in January for another great matchup with the Greyhounds.” -
Shane Rottier, Lycoming Women’s Basketball Coach
“I am extremely excited to learn that we are making a return trip to the Palestra. My staff and student athletes are grateful for the opportunity to play in this historic venue. We are thankful to the Landmark Conference and especially our commissioner, Katie Boldvich, for organizing this tremendous event.” -
Mary Beth Spirk, Moravian Women’s Basketball Coach and Director of Athletics
“For our players and coaches, the opportunity to participate in a game inside the ‘Cathedral of College Basketball’ is a true privilege and a memory that will last a lifetime.” -
Ben O’Brien, Scranton Women’s Basketball Coach