Rival Team: Villanova Wildcats, Saint Joseph's Hawks, Penn Quakers, La Salle Explorers
Philadelphia’s Big 5 consists of the Villanova, Temple, St. Joseph’s, Penn, and La Salle and is one of the best multi-team rivalries in college sports. The Big 5 dates back to 1955 and originally was created to showcase Philadelphia’s basketball talent and raise money for the Palestra. The proximity of the schools means there is a lot of bragging rights on the line whenever these teams meet, so don’t miss the matchups between these schools.
Temple vs UConn
Rival Team: Connecticut Huskies
Temple have a fierce rivalry with fellow American Athletic Conference members UConn. UConn is the closest team in the AAC to Temple, so you’ll see plenty of fans of both teams at games between these two. The mixed crowd creates a tense atmosphere and is one of the best matchups in the AAC, so get tickets when the Huskies come to town.
Things are always tense when the Bearcats square off against the Owls. The two teams are both members of the AAC and there is no love lost between these two, so circle it on the calendar when the Owls and Bearcats meet.
Temple Owls Stadium Guide
In Game
Temple has a rich basketball history that is on display when attending an Owls game. All around the Liacouras Center, you’ll see tributes to the best players, coaches, and teams in Temple basketball history. The lobby of the arena is home to two statues of legendary Temple basketball coaches, and numerous banners are hanging up around the arena. The Liacouras Center even houses the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame, so you can learn more about Temple’s other sports as well.
After walking about he concourse and seeing the rich tapestry of Temple basketball history, you’ll be treated to an incredible in-game atmosphere. The Temple student section, or Cherry Crusade as they’re known, does an outstanding job of showing their support for the Owls. Pay especially close attention to the student section if you’re lucky enough to attend a Big 5 matchup, as it will be home to some great student-made banners.
The students aren’t the only ones who create a great atmosphere at Temple. The band, cheer team, and mascot all contribute to creating a distinctly collegiate atmosphere inside the Liacouras Center.
Before or after the game, make sure to stop by some of the great bars and eateries near the Temple campus. Pub Webb and the Draught Horse are among Temple fan favorites, and if you’re looking to grab a Philly cheesesteak, then Tony Luke’s is a good option nearby.
Temple’s rich basketball history and incredible in-game atmosphere make attending an Owls basketball game a great experience for anyone visiting Philadelphia.
The Ring of Honor honors the best players in Owls men’s and women’s basketball history. It contains greats such as Pepe Sanchez and Terence Stansbury, so check it out when attending a Temple basketball game.
The Liacouras Center is home to the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is a must-see for college sports fans, so take some time to learn more about Owls Athletics during your visit.
When you enter the Liacouras Center, snap a picture with the statues of Harry Litwack and John Chaney. The statues pay tribute to two of greatest coaches in Owls history.
During your stroll around the concourse, you’ll want to stop by and check out the owl eyes mural located behind the Temple student section. The mural adds a nice touch to the arena and does an excellent job of showing off school pride, so check it out.
Hooter T. Owl
Hooter is the official mascot of the Temple Owls and can be found on the sidelines cheering on the team at every Temple home game. He always puts on a great show that revs up the crowd, so keep your eyes peeled for him at the next Temple game you attend.
The Temple band puts on a great show during the game and provides an incredible in-game atmosphere. You’ll have a great time hearing the band perform fan favorites like “T” for Temple “U” and much more.
The loudest fans at any Temple basketball game can be found in the Cherry Crusade. Temple students are very devoted to their team and win, or loss will support their team, so enjoy the atmosphere created by the Cherry Crusade.
Make sure to check out the Temple Roll Outs when the Owls take on a Big 5 member. The banners poke fun at the rival school, and Temple students spend lots of time creating them. Temple Roll Outs are a big part of the pageantry that goes along with the Big 5 rivalry and is a must-see for anyone attending a Big 5 game featuring Temple.
Fight Songs
"T” for Temple U
The official Temple fight song
T for Temple U
U-ni-versity!
Fight, fight, fight!
Alma Mater
Onward with Temple,
Banners all unfurled;
Wide flung our standards,
To the winds they’re hurlded.
Following our Founder
To immortal Fame;
Making true his vision,
Of a deathless name.
Hail! Alma Mater,
Honor, praise to Thee;
We pledge our lives,
Our hearts in loyalty.
Wisdom, Truth and Virtue
Built our Temple great;
Preseverence conquers;
Higher to create.
Victory Beer Hall is an unrivaled social experience, featuring elongated, beer hall style tables, a stage and a 2,000 square-foot patio complete with a panoramic view of the Philadelphia skyline.
More than just your typical Philadelphia cheesesteak joint, Tony Luke’s redefined the Philly sandwich experience with specialty favorites like the roast pork Italian and chicken cutlet.
Maglio Sausage Company is a family owned and operated enterprise, which has manufactured high quality Italian Sausage items since its origination in Philadelphia in the mid 1940s.
Enjoy the taste of Italy right here in Pennsylvania. You can try a variety of authentic Italian dishes from pizzas and Strombolis to sandwiches and hoagies.
Watch video
