Temple Owls Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Adam Fisher

Team Mascot: Hooter the Owl

Year Opened: 1997

Capacity: 10206

City / State: Philadelphia / Pennsylvania

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Philadelphia Big 5

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.

Temple vs Cincinnati

Rival Team: Cincinnati Bearcats

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.

Things to check out

Ring of Honor

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.

Temple Athletics Hall of Fame

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.

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Lobby Statues

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.

Owl Eyes Mural

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.

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Temple Band

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.

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Cherry Crusade

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.

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Temple Roll Outs

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

  1. "T” for Temple U

    The official Temple fight song

    T for Temple U
    U-ni-versity!
    Fight, fight, fight!

  2. 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.

Temple Owls Bars & Restaurants

  1. Victory Beer Hall

    Victory beer

    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.

    1100 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA

    267-534-4264

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. PBR Bar & Grill

    PBR bar and Grill

    A Coors Banquet Bar. Country cool meets urban chic country bar located at XFINITY Live! Philadelphia.

    1100 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA

    267-534-4264

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $$

  3. Philadium Restaurant & Tavern

    The Philadium Tavern

    Philadium Restaurant & Tavern is a great place to chill before or after a Philadelphia sporting event!

    1631 Packer Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA

    215-271-5220

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  4. Chickie’s & Pete’s

    Chickies and Petes fries

    The Chickie’s & Pete’s was voted ESPN’s #1 Sports Bar on the East Coast.

    1526 Packer Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA

    215-218-0500

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  5. XFINITY Live! Philadelphia

    Tequila

    XFINITY Live! Philadelphia is a dining and entertainment district centered in the heart of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.

    1100 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA

    267-534-4264

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  6. Tony Luke’s

    Tony Lukes sandwich

    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.

    39 E Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA

    215-892-1010

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Maglio Sausage

    Magio Sausage

    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.

    3632 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA

    215-465-3902

    Bar website

    italian - $

  8. Oregon Steaks

    Oregon Steaks sandwich

    See it for yourself. Anytime you're in South Philly, Oregon steaks is the way to go!

    2654 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA

    267-928-3338

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Termini Bros. Bakery

    Termini Bros

    Termini Bros Bakery is more than just a pastry shop, it is a Philadelphia landmark.

    1538 Packer Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA

    215-336-1001

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  10. Penrose Diner

    Penrose Diner

    Our food is the real deal. We make our menu fresh, from scratch, and we source local ingredients whenever we can.

    2016 Penrose Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA

    215-465–1097

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Popi’s Italian Restaurant

    Popis Restraurant

    Popi's combines international cuisine in a local, friendly atmosphere and promises to appeal to all tastes.

    3120 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA

    215-755-7180

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  12. Stadium Grille

    Stadium Grille

    Eat-in or Take out-Across from Lincoln Financial Field!

    700 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA

    215-463-2769

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  13. Celebre’s Pizzeria

    Celebres Pizzeria

    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.

    1536 Packer Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA

    215-467-3255

    Bar website

    pizza - $