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A guide to the Penn Relays

This is the year you've been waiting for at the Penn Relays. No, that doesn't mean Usain Bolt is making a return visit. He isn't.

Kelly Curtis, a heptathlete from Springfield College, clears the high jump bar during competition. (Clem Murray/Staff Photographer)
Kelly Curtis, a heptathlete from Springfield College, clears the high jump bar during competition. (Clem Murray/Staff Photographer)Read more

This is the year you've been waiting for at the Penn Relays.

No, that doesn't mean Usain Bolt is making a return visit. He isn't.

But what we do mean is: The South Street Bridge is back in operation after a two-year rebuilding project, making it easier to get over the Schuylkill by foot and by car (well, definitely easier by foot) to Franklin Field.

The bridge reopening also means there is access directly on South Street to the Hollenback Center stairs to the lower street level that leads to the fields where the javelin, shot put, discus, and hammer are being contested.

Now the bad news: The bridge that leads over the SEPTA rail tracks at the northeast corner of Franklin Field is closed, making it inaccessible to runners who liked to use the old Bower Field to warm up.

Even with the South Street Bridge back in operation, making Franklin Field accessible from the Schuylkill Expressway, public transportation remains the best way to get to the carnival. The Airport, Media/Elwyn, and Wilmington/Newark regional rail lines stop at University City Station.

With the South Street stairway at the station back in operation, it's a mere 82 steps from the top of the stairs to the southeast entrance to Franklin Field.

If you choose, you can take the Market-Frankford El to 30th or 34th Street.

Be advised that tickets are going fast. For Thursday and Friday, reserved seating is $22, and general admission is $16. All seating Saturday is reserved, going for $48, $40, and $30.

Once you get to the stadium area, look for the Carnival Village on the north side. Among the exhibitors are the folks at Nike, who have outdone themselves with a massive tent on the tennis courts between the stadium and the Palestra that will give visitors plenty to see and do - and buy.

Penn Relays souvenirs abound throughout the area, particularly at the new gift shop in Franklin Field.

The Penn Relays program - which lists schedules, teams, and athletes - checks in this year at 152 pages and remains one of the world's great bargains at $10.