Flyers-Sixers ‘authentically Philly’ home

Article posted by Coliseum, June 17^th, 2025

Image: South Philadelphia Sports Complex, Dough4872, CC BY-SA 4.0

The global design firm Populous, in collaboration with the Associate Architect Moody Nolan, has been selected by the Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and Comcast Spectacor to design a state-of-the-art arena in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex (US).

‘POPULOUS’ stated that slated to open in 2031, with potential to accelerate, the new arena is set to become the future home of the National Basketball Association (NBA) team Philadelphia 76ers and the National Hockey League (NHL) team Philadelphia Flyers and will stand among the most technologically advanced and spectator-centric sports and entertainment venues in the world.

Populous is a global architectural and design practice with regional headquarters in Kansas City (US), London (UK) and Brisbane (Australia) specializing in sports facilities, arenas and convention centers as well as in the planning and design of major special events.

Columbus (US)-based Moody Nolan practice responsive design – pairing empathetic listening with innovative thinking – to find harmony between the client, the community and the environment. Moody Nolan uses the built environment to catalyze social change. The firm’s integrated design and delivery approach combines architecture, interior and experiential design – creating places that ignite culture and improve lives.

Camden (US)-based the Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment LLC is an American sports and venue management company founded by Josh Harris and David Blitzer in September 2017.

Comcast Spectacor is an American sports and entertainment company and division of Comcast based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia 76ers, also known colloquially as the Sixers, is an American professional basketball team based in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area. The 76ers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.

The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference.

The 21,000-capacity Wells Fargo Center is a multipurpose indoor arena located in Philadelphia (US). It serves as the home of the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL), the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League.

‘POPULOUS’ quoted Jonathan Mallie, Managing Director, Americas for Populous, as stating, “As the Sixers and the Flyers begin to bring to life their vision for a new arena in South Philadelphia we’re thrilled to join the team as their Lead Design Partner. Our focus is to create a new home that not only delivers a next-gen experience for the fans but is also authentically Philly.”

Said David Adelman, Limited Partner of HBSE and Chairman of joint venture between HBSE and Comcast-Spectacor, “Together with our partners at Comcast Spectacor we are excited to welcome Populous and Moody Nolan to help execute on our shared vision for a new arena in South Philadelphia. Our goal has always been clear – to bring the world’s greatest sports and entertainment venue to the City of Philadelphia. Populous and Moody Nolan will leverage their collective expertise to help design a best-in-class fan experience with an emphasis on sustainability and multifunctional use.”

Populous and Moody Nolan will work closely with the Sixers and the Flyers to deliver a transformative venue that redefines the fan experience and strengthens the connection between the teams and the City they represent.

Added Jonathan Moody, head honcho, Moody Nolan, “We’re honored to partner with Populous on this monumental project and contribute our perspective and expertise. Designing a space that reflects the culture, energy and pride of Philadelphia while pushing forward what’s possible in fan-centered design is a challenge we embrace with deep enthusiasm.”

Populous is known for its dynamic design approach which synthesizes architectural expertise and understanding of fan experience to deliver stadiums authentic to their Cities and primed for economic impact. The global design firm has designed some of the most iconic sports venues in the world.

Moody Nolan brings extensive experience in designing sports and athletic venue across all levels of competition.

More details regarding the new arena will be released at a later date.

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at www.coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

Watch 500+ member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue