Sixers, Flyers share first renderings of new South Philadelphia arena planned for 2030
Sixers and Flyers unveil first renderings of new South Philadelphia arena
The future home of the Sixers and Flyers is starting to take shape. The teams unveiled the first renderings Tuesday of their new arena, which is scheduled to open in 2030 on the grounds of the old Spectrum in South Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers have revealed the first look at their proposed new arena in South Philadelphia, slated to open in 2030, according to team representatives.
The venue will also become the home for Philadelphia’s WNBA team and promises to deliver a next-generation fan experience for sports, concerts, live entertainment and community events.
Transforming the Spectrum site with a next-generation arena
What we know:
The 76ers and Flyers announced that the arena is set for the historic Spectrum grounds in South Philadelphia, targeting a grand opening in 2030. Plans call for the complex to serve as a home base for three professional sports teams and host major events.
Populous and Moody Nolan, two well-known design firms, have been chosen to shape the project with a design that echoes Philadelphia’s sports culture and neighborhood vibe. The building’s exterior will feature stacked, cantilevered bands inspired by the Spectrum, designed to stand out as a new city landmark.
The project marks the largest fully privately funded development in Philadelphia’s history.
Josh Harris, Co-Founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Managing Partner of the Philadelphia 76ers, said, "Philly fans deserve the best arena in the world, and we are excited to partner with Comcast to deliver just that. This privately funded arena will be the home to moments and memories that define this city for generations."
Brian Roberts, Chairman of Comcast Corporation, said, "This is a new era for Philadelphia sports. To build our future where Ed Snider and the Spectrum made history makes this project truly special. Working with HBSE, we are creating a world-class experience worthy of Philadelphia’s incredible fans."
The arena will feature panoramic views of the city and the surrounding sports complex.
Plans also call for more than a half-acre of outdoor space surrounded by shopping and restaurants, with elements designed to pay tribute to iconic Philadelphia landmarks.
Harris offered a humorous preview of what fans can expect when they arrive.
"You’re gonna walk up the rock steps to get in. Walk by retail and drinks and food and 16 levels of hot dog. I found out that’s a lot of hot dogs," Harris said.
Roberts described the project as the next chapter in the evolution of Philadelphia’s sports complex.
"It’s the evolution of the sports district. Looking back at the Spectrum days, it’s changed a lot. This is that next great chapter. I think people just get goosebumps. That’s the goal," Roberts said.
There are still plenty of details to be worked out as the Sixers and Flyers move forward with the joint venture.
Harris compared the process to building a house — just on a much larger scale — saying the teams are thinking through every detail.
The backstory:
The planned arena will sit on a site steeped in Philadelphia sports history. The Spectrum previously hosted both the Flyers and 76ers for nearly three decades. The design team drew inspiration from the Spectrum’s iconic shape, then updated it with a contemporary look for the new structure.
Comcast will own the naming rights for the new arena, which will be formally named at a later date, according to the teams.
Fan spaces, public input and the path ahead
The design for the exterior includes wide fan plazas with flexible outdoor areas, and an arrival stairway modeled after the steps of Philadelphia’s Museum of Art. Restaurant pavilions are also planned to enhance the entertainment experience.
Renderings reflect feedback from fan surveys, focus groups and public engagement, and organizers say these conversations will continue as the design and approval process moves forward.
Why you should care:
Organizers say the arena will not only bring world-class sports and entertainment to Philadelphia, but it will also act as a major boost to the local economy and neighborhood businesses. The project aims to connect the next generation of fans and visitors to a historic part of the city.
By the numbers:
An exact capacity has not been officially announced, but the arena is expected to hold an estimated 20,000 fans.
The project is expected to cost more than $1.5 billion, although an exact final price tag has not been announced.
The project is planned to be fully privately funded, with no taxpayer money.
The new arena is anticipated to create nearly 15,000 jobs and generate nearly $6 billion in economic activity over the next 10 years, with hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue expected to directly benefit the School District of Philadelphia and the city.
Timeline:
The arena is set to open ahead of the 2030 inaugural season for Philadelphia’s WNBA team, and in time for NBA and NHL play.
What we don't know:
The official name of the new arena and final design details have not been announced. Additional information about the approval process and future community engagement sessions was not specified by the teams.
The Source: Information provided by a press release from the Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers.