The 76ers and Flyers have unveiled renderings of their new arena on the former Spectrum site in South Philadelphia, which the organizations are calling the largest fully privately funded project in city history.
The arena is now targeted to open before the WNBA season in 2030, when Philadelphia’s expansion team will begin play. The Sixers, owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), come in as 50-50 partners with Comcast Spectacor in the new arena, after spending more than a decade as tenants.
“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 HBSE, we are creating a world-class experience worthy of Philadelphia’s incredible fans.”
The Spectrum-inspired design includes more than a half-acre
The Spectrum-inspired design includes more than a half-acre of outdoor gathering space, with fan plazas, food and beverage options and a large entrance staircase inspired by the 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.”
Added NBA commissioner Adam Silver: “I’m thrilled to see the first renderings of what promises to be an extraordinary home for NBA and WNBA basketball as well as many other world-class events. Beyond the incredible experience the new arena will bring to fans, I commend HBSE and Comcast for such a significant economic investment in Philadelphia.”
For the Flyers, the move brings the franchise
For the Flyers, the move brings the franchise back to the grounds where it began play in 1967 and won its only two Stanley Cups.
Since taking over as Flyers governor in 2023, Dan Hilferty has also overseen a restructuring of Philadelphia’s front office and made returning the franchise to consistent Stanley Cup contention a priority.
“This new arena will be a state-of-the-art home worthy of the Flyers, their fans, and the entire city,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Comcast Spectacor and HBSE’s commitment to this project reflects a shared belief in Philadelphia’s future and a lasting investment in the city’s economic vitality.”
The organizations project the arena will create nearly 15,000 jobs and generate nearly $6 billion in economic activity over the next decade, along with hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue benefiting the city and the School District of Philadelphia.
Source: www.espn.com
