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Villanova University (often called "Nova"), a Catholic school in the Main Line suburb of Villanova, has the city's highest-profile college basketball program, a member of the rugged Big East Conference with national titles in 2016 and 2018. Since the Big East does not sponsor football, Nova plays that sport in the second-level Division I FCS as a member of CAA Football, a separate football league operated by the Colonial Athletic Association. Most of Villanova's venues are on campus, most notably Finneran Pavilion (basketball) and Villanova Stadium (football). However, high-profile basketball games are often played at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Villanova Wildcats are the athletic teams of Villanova University. They compete in the Big East for every sport; except football where they compete in the Patriot League and women's rowing where they compete in the Coastal Atlantic Association. In addition, women's water polo competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Seasonal kayak and swan-boat rentals at the Penn's Landing marina on the Delaware River
Guided kayak trips on the Schuylkill River, past Boathouse Row and the Center City skyline.
Sailboat charter on the Delaware River, sailing from the Penn's Landing area aboard SV First Light, a 32-foot O'Day 322 that carries up to six passengers with a licensed captain. It is the only sailboat charter operating on the Philadelphia waterfront; the other river operators run powered vessels. Trips head north past the Ben Franklin Bridge toward Cherry Street Pier, Race Street Pier, and Graffiti Pier, and south past Petty Island, an undeveloped island in the middle of the river. When wind and tide allow, the engine comes off and the boat sails. The ninety-minute sunset and day sails cover the central waterfront; a three-hour historic tour runs south to Fort Mifflin and back along the New Jersey bank past Red Bank battlefield and the Battleship New Jersey, covering the river's history, including the Black maritime history of the Delaware.
Offers private trips for two to six aboard an enclosed cabin cruiser, the most weather-protected of the small Delaware River operators, which makes it usable in the shoulder seasons when open boats are cold. Cruises leave from the Penn's Landing area and run in river, sunset, and brunch formats, with catered food available on board. The whole boat is chartered as a unit rather than sold by the seat.
Sea Philly runs private cruises for up to six on the Delaware River aboard a restored 1961 Chris-Craft. Trips leave from the Penn's Landing area and run about ninety minutes for a day or sunset cruise, with longer excursions on request. The boat is BYOB
Philadelphia Cruise Co. runs private pontoon boat charters on the Delaware River, BYOB, up to six guests. Day and sunset cruises with skyline views, plus charters for proposals, photoshoots, and intimate weddings. Luxury pontoon, laid-back pace.