The 76ers and Flyers on Tuesday unveiled exterior renderings of their new arena on the former Spectrum site in South Philadelphia.
The arena — located next to where Xfinity Mobile Arena currently sits — is scheduled to open in 2030, when Philadelphia’s expansion WNBA team will begin play.
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Sixers, and Comcast Spectacor jointly own the privately funded venue in a 50-50 partnership. Comcast will own the naming rights of the new arena, which will receive a formal name 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.”
The new arena will feature more than a half-acre of outdoor space with fan plazas and food and beverage options. It also will have a staircase inspired by the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, popularized by the film “Rocky.”
“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 Spectrum opened in September 1967 as the first home for the new Flyers, along with hosting the existing 76ers. Both teams played there until 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, per the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Fan surveys, focus groups, community engagement, and public review will continue throughout the design and approval process.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called it a “state-of-the-art home worthy of the Flyers, their fans, and the entire city.” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said it “promises to be an extraordinary home for NBA and WNBA basketball as well as many other world-class events.”
–Field Level Media
