The Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday offered a first look at the preliminary exterior designs for their future home, a privately financed venue scheduled to open in 2030 on the former Spectrum site in South Philadelphia.
Situated adjacent to the current Xfinity Mobile Arena, the new facility is slated to launch alongside the inaugural season of Philadelphia’s expansion WNBA franchise.
The multi-purpose complex is being developed through a 50-50 joint venture between Sixers owner Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Comcast Spectacor, with Comcast securing naming rights for the venue under a title to be revealed at a later date.
”This is a new era for Philadelphia sports,” Comcast chairman Brian Roberts said. “To build our future where Ed Snider and the Spectrum made history makes this project truly special. Working with (Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment), we are creating a world-class experience worthy of Philadelphia’s incredible fans.”
Architectural plans reveal more than half an acre of exterior space featuring outdoor fan plazas, dedicated dining areas, and a grand staircase paying homage to the iconic “Rocky steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
”Philly fans deserve the best arena in the world, and we are excited to partner with Comcast to deliver just that,” Sixers managing partner Josh Harris said. “This privately funded arena will be the home to moments and memories that define this city for generations.”
The project returns the franchises to the grounds of the historic Spectrum, which originally opened in September 1967 as the shared arena for both teams until their move in 1996.
”The first-look renderings reflect fan feedback and stakeholder input on the arena experience, public spaces and amenities,” the teams said in a statement reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
“Fan surveys, focus groups, community engagement, and public review will continue throughout the design and approval process.”
League leadership also expressed support for the initiative.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman lauded the proposed complex as a “state-of-the-art home worthy of the Flyers, their fans, and the entire city,” while NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted that the building “promises to be an extraordinary home for NBA and WNBA basketball as well as many other world-class events.”