WHAT:       The University of Pennsylvania will officially open Penn Park with a ceremonial tree-planting and ribbon-cutting at a University-wide picnic celebration, complete with food, field games, music and fireworks.

WHERE:     30th and Walnut streets marks the eastern entrance for Penn Park, 24 acres of green space south of Walnut Street, with Amtrak rail lines to the east and SEPTA lines to the west, featuring two multi-purpose NCAA regulation athletic fields; a 470- seat multipurpose stadium that is also an NCAA regulation women’s softball field; and 12 tennis courts, with 200-seat viewing stands. Between these facilities are pathways, elevated bridge connections and open space; 530 trees adorn the landscaped pathways for walking and jogging.

 WHO:         Penn President Amy Gutmann, Trustees Chairman David L. Cohen and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter will join with trustees, donors, elected officials as well as student athletes, cheerleaders and the Penn Band for the ceremonies.

WHEN:       Thursday, Sept. 15

 4 p.m.: VIP ceremony, concluding with a ceremonial tree planting

4:30-7 p.m.: On the athletic fields, soccer penalty kick, ultimate Frisbee, cricket club and baseball club demonstrations and rugby team drills and demonstrations

 5-7:30 p.m.: Penn community picnic

5:30 p.m.: Ribbon-cutting, between the multipurpose athletic fields

DETAILS: The media is invited to cover any or all of the events. 

Arrangements for media tours of the park prior to the ceremonies, beginning at 3 p.m., can be made IN ADVANCE by calling 215-898-1422.

The south side of the upper deck of Walnut Street, between 30th and 31st streets, will be reserved for satellite truck parking.