The future home of the Philadelphia 76ers, Flyers, and Philadelphia’s WNBA expansion team is taking shape with a design that pays homage to one of South Philadelphia’s most iconic former arenas.
The first publicized renderings of the new arena reveal three stacked, cantilevered “bands” that are reminiscent of The Spectrum, the legendary venue where the 76ers and the Flyers played from 1967 to 1996. According to the press release, the new venue is planned for the former Spectrum site. It will be located next to Xfinity Mobile Area in the western portion of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex
A new arena with a Philly-inspired entrance
The privately funded arena is expected to open in spring 2030, although the total project cost has not been disclosed. According to initial reports, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the 76ers, and Comcast Spectacor, which owns the Flyers and Xfinity Mobile Arena, are 50-50 partners on the project.
Outside the arena, there will be more than half-acre of plazas. It will serve as a space where fans hang out before and after events. A wide staircase leading toward the entrance is also expected to serve as a major local point. The stairs will draw inspiration from the famous steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and naturally, Philadelphia’s favorite fictional boxer, Rocky Balboa.
Built for the next generation of Philly sports
Global design firm Populous and nationally recognized architecture firm Moody Nolan are designing the arena. Moreover, a Turner/AECOM Hunt joint venture is reportedly handling construction.
The new arena is being designed as more than a just a home for basketball and hockey. Plans for concerts, live entertainment, community programming, food and beverage offerings, and outdoor gathering areas are also in the plans.
The arena’s name has not yet been announced. Comcast Spectacor is expected to reveal the naming rights partner at a later date.
According to the organizations behind the project, the arena is projected to create nearly 15,000 jobs. Additionally, it is estimated to generate nearly $6 billion in economic activity over the next decade along with hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue for Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia.
By 2030, the new 76ers arena will officially become part of the South Philadelphia skyline. Longtime Philly sports fans will have a familiar reminder of the building that once stood there.
