Get in the SportsZone at the Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute just unveiled its new SportsZone, a permanent exhibit that helps visitors investigate how our bodies perform when we play sports and how technology changes that performance. The SportsZone just opened this month at the Institute, and already looks to be a popular addition. It replaced the Sports Challenge exhibit, which was loved by visitors but beginning to show its age.

The Franklin Institute’s SportsZone examines the relationship between the science of the human body and sports. Image: Franklin Institute

One tremendously popular aspect of the SportsZone challenges visitors to test their physical skills against famous athletes. You can try to run as fast as Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews, or try to jump as high as Philadelphia 76ers Nerlens Noel. There are 21 interactive stations. Among them is Athletes in Action, a 40-foot race challenge that allows visitors to square off against some of the fastest humans around. Those participating can make their choice of virtual competitors, including Jordan Matthews, inline speed skater Brian Talley, Paralympics medalists Tatyana McFadden and Richard Browne, marathon runner Dawn Grunnagle and the Phillies Phanatic mascot. Adding to the experience is narration by Merrill Reese, play-by-play radio announcer for the Philadelphia Eagles. The interactive experiences allow visitors to either challenge themselves for a best time or to view against others in competition. Each focuses on a scientific principle that is integral to the sport. Other exhibits encourage visitors to try balancing, shooting hoops, skiing, surfing, and pitching, among others.

The SportsZone is the perfect fit for Philadelphia, say Franklin Institute representatives, because Philly is such a big sports town. Larry Dubinski, president of the Franklin Institute, says that the SportsZone helps make the connection between sports and the science of the human body.