The Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers have unveiled the first exterior renderings of their planned new arena scheduled to open in 2030.
Populous said the new arena is designed to deliver a next-generation fan experience and amplify the energy of Philadelphia sports, live entertainment and community programming.
It will also become the home of a new WNBA team and in addition to serving as the home of the three professional teams and world-class events, the arena will act as a major economic catalyst by attracting visitors, driving activity for small and neighborhood businesses and expanding opportunities for community engagement and growth.
Along with Moody Nolan, Populous will bring the arena to life as one of the most technologically advanced, experience-driven venues in the country shaped by Philadelphia’s one-of-a-kind sports culture, history, neighborhood character and civic pride.
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 Philadelphia 76ers, known colloquially as the Sixers, are 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.
Philadelphia’s gathering place
The new arena will connect the next gathering place for Philadelphia sports and entertainment to one of the city’s most storied sports sites for future generations.
The new design features inspiration from the Spectrum, the former home of both teams from 1967 to 1996. The renderings show the facade will be composed of three stacked and cantilevered “bands,” a nod to the Spectrum’s exterior.
Jonathan Mallie, Global Director and Managing Director of the Americas at Populous, said, “The Spectrum stood on this ground for over 40 years and became part of Philadelphia’s soul.
“We chose to build on that — literally and architecturally. The exterior design features a series of stacked Spectrum-shaped bands – a direct reinterpretation of what came before at a scale and in materials that propel the franchises and the city into the future. The building will emit an energy that captivates every spectator and deliver an authentically Philadelphia experience inside.”
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.
“We have an incredible opportunity ahead of us and look forward to partnering with Mayor Parker and Council President Kenyatta Johnson to transform a site rich with history, while creating thousands of jobs, driving lasting economic impact and delivering an arena that honors the deep sports and entertainment culture of the city.
“I’m grateful to my partners David Blitzer, David Adelman, Brian Roberts and Dan Hilferty for helping make this vision a reality.”
New renderings revealed
The first-look renderings reflect fan feedback and stakeholder input on the arena experience, public spaces and amenities that Philadelphia residents want from the city’s next major sports and entertainment hub.
Fan surveys, focus groups, community engagement, and public review will continue throughout the design and approval process.
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.
“None of this would be possible without great partners, and I’m deeply grateful to Dan Hilferty, Josh Harris, David Adelman, David Blitzer, and all the teams who worked so hard to get us here — we can’t wait to bring championships to this new home.
“I would also like to thank Mayor Parker and Council President Kenyatta Johnson for their leadership as we work to bring this transformative project to life for Philadelphia and its fans.”
The arena is targeted to open ahead of the 2030 inaugural season of Philadelphia’s WNBA expansion team as well as the respective NBA and NHL seasons.
Comcast will own the naming rights of the new arena to be formally named at a later date.
Stateside Live!, previously known as Xfinity! Live, sits near the new stadium site on 11th Street and has just undergone a $15 million expansion. It is expected to remain open.
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