Philadelphia Sports Writers Association to Celebrate 122nd Annual Awards Banquet at the Historic Palestra During Palestra 100 Celebration
Banquet slated for January 11th in University City
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association (PSWA) is proud to announce that its 122nd Annual Awards Banquet will be held at the historic Palestra on January 11, 2027, as part of the year-long Palestra 100 celebration, commemorating the 100th anniversary of one of the most iconic venues in American sports.
The banquet will bring together many of the region’s most accomplished athletes, coaches, administrators, media members, and sports enthusiasts to celebrate excellence in athletics and recognize individuals whose achievements have made a lasting impact on the Philadelphia sports landscape.
Founded in 1904, the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association is the oldest continuously operating sports media organization in the United States. For more than a century, its annual banquet has honored championship performances, outstanding leadership, inspirational stories, and lifetime achievements across professional, collegiate, amateur, and scholastic sports.
Hosting the 122nd banquet at the Palestra adds another chapter to the storied history shared by two of Philadelphia’s most treasured sports institutions. Since opening its doors in 1927, the Palestra has earned an international reputation as the “Cathedral of College Basketball,” serving as the home court for countless legendary players, coaches, and unforgettable moments while becoming one of the most revered arenas in the sport.
“The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association has celebrated the very best of our sports community for more than 120 years and there is no more fitting place to continue that tradition than the Palestra during its centennial celebration,” said PSWA President Mike Shute. “The Palestra represents the history, passion, and tradition of Philadelphia sports, making it the perfect setting to honor the athletes and individuals who continue to shape that legacy.”
The banquet will serve as one of the signature events of the Palestra’s centennial celebration, highlighting the arena’s enduring influence on college basketball and the broader Philadelphia sports community. Guests will gather beneath the historic rafters to celebrate both the achievements of today’s honorees and the remarkable history that has made the Palestra a landmark recognized throughout the sports world.
In addition to honoring the year’s award recipients, the evening will feature reflections on the Palestra’s century-long legacy and its role in hosting generations of memorable sporting events that have inspired athletes, fans, and journalists alike.
Tickets for the banquet, which includes a full dinner, are $125.00 and can be purchased online at https://phillysportswriters.com/buy-banquet-tickets/.
Anyone interested in a sponsorship package, should contact Dan Drutz (ddrutz1976@gmail.com) for more information.
Details regarding award recipients, special guests and event programming will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information about the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association and the 122nd Annual Awards Banquet, please visit the Association’s website or follow its official social media channels.
(Note: a downloadable copy of the official PSWA press release is attached at the bottom of this page)
About the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association
Established in 1904, the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association is the nation’s oldest continuously operating sports media organization. The Association promotes excellence in sports journalism while recognizing outstanding athletic achievement and service to the Philadelphia sports community through its annual awards banquet and scholarship initiatives.