Climbing Collective Announces the Launch of its Tenth Location – PRG University City
Shop Penn is thrilled to welcome leading climbing gym operator, Climbing Collective, to its Retail District. Climbing Collective’s newest venture – PRG University City - a state-of-the-art bouldering gym set to open in the heart of Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood, adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania, is anticipated to open in Spring 2026. The facility will add another experiential element to the retail district and will be housed in a 17,000 square-foot space at the corner of 36th and Sansom Streets.
Shop Penn’s Retail District features curated shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues serving the Penn community and surrounding neighborhoods. Set within the region’s most historic university campus, it caters to a range of ages, interests, skills, and budgets. "Integrating a rock climbing gym into our retail portfolio is an exciting step toward creating vibrant, interactive spaces that energize both students and the broader community,” said Ed Datz, Penn’s Executive Director of Real Estate. “The addition of PRG University City transforms the existing space into a dynamic hub of activity."
Climbing Collective is well-known for its commitment to offering top-tier climbing experiences to individuals of all skill levels to build individual confidence within a supportive community. When completed, PRG University City will continue to uphold this tradition, bringing an exciting and dynamic fitness experience to University City and the larger Philadelphia community.
Key features of PRG University City will include:
- Diverse Bouldering Walls: The gym will feature over 7,000 square feet of bouldering walls, suitable for all skill levels and ages, providing endless challenges and opportunities for growth.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: This location will feature a wide range of alternative fitness programming including world-class climbing experiences, alternative fitness studio, and community spaces.
- Climbing Collective is committed to delivering a world-class climbing experience mirrored with high-level synergistic fitness programming.
- Community Hub: PRG University City will be a meeting point for alternative fitness enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.
- Expert Instruction: The facility will offer classes and training programs, including options for beginners and advanced climbers as well as teambuilding programs, under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Mathew Barnett, a Penn alumnus and CEO of Climbing Collective stated: “The partnership with the University of Pennsylvania has been crucial in making this project a reality. Together, Climbing Collective and Shop Penn are excited to offer a unique community-based fitness option for its students, faculty and staff and for the surrounding community. We look forward to PRG University City becoming a magnet fitness/community location for the neighborhood.”
The new PRG bouldering gym aims to provide climbers with a vibrant, energetic space to pursue their passion. Whether you're an experienced climber looking to push your limits or a newcomer eager to try something different, PRG University City will cater to your needs. Follow @shopsatpenn, @philarockgym on Instagram and Facebook for updates and sneak peeks of the gym's development.
Learn more about the Climbing Collective at https://www.climbing-collective.com/ and its member company, Philadelphia Rock Gym by visiting https://philarockgym.com/.
MSC Retail represented the University of Pennsylvania in the transaction.
Media Relations Contact:
Jennifer Rizzi, Communications Director
Penn Facilities & Real Estate Services
215.573.6107, rizzi@upenn.edu
Lauren Caporizo, Head of Sales and Marketing
Climbing Collective
203.979.5387, lcaporizo@philarockgym.com
About SHOP PENN Retail District
Penn’s retail district offers an inspired, contemporary shopping and dining experience, open to all. Spanning ten city blocks from 30th to 40th Streets and across Spruce, Walnut, and Chestnut Streets, the district features more than 65 curated shopping, dining, and entertainment outlets immersed in the region’s most beautiful and historic university campus. The diverse collection of retail offerings—including national brands and independent shops—provides the highest quality options at every price point for the Penn community, surrounding neighborhoods, and beyond. Visit the SHOP PENN website for a full listing of retailers.
About Climbing Collective: Climbing Collective (www.climbing-collective.com) is a leading operator of indoor climbing gyms/alternative fitness facilities located in in Philadelphia, PA, Charlotte, NC and Albany, NY. Climbing Collective is focused on providing alternative fitness experiences through a shared vision of personal empowerment. Our facilities feature a range of bouldering, top-roping, and lead climbing, as well as amenities like yoga studios, functional fitness, cardio zones, and retail shops. Our welcoming community attracts participants of all abilities – from competitive athletes to novices and families.
Philadelphia Rock Gym: Philadelphia Rock Gym (www.philarockgym.com), a member of The Climbing Collective, operates five other locations in the Philadelphia area and is dedicated to providing top-tier climbing experiences for climbers of all levels in a welcoming environment.