A first look at Philadelphia’s next building
The covers came off this morning. The Philadelphia 76ers and the Philadelphia Flyers released exterior renderings of the arena they will share from 2030, built on the former Spectrum site in South Philadelphia, a few steps from where Xfinity Mobile Arena stands today.
That opening date carries weight beyond basketball and hockey. Philadelphia’s expansion WNBA franchise begins play in 2030 and will move in at the same time, giving the city three professional tenants under one roof.
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Sixers, and Comcast Spectacor share the venue in a 50-50 partnership. The money is private. Comcast holds the naming rights, and the building will get its formal name at a later date.
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Rocky steps and half an acre of open ground
The design leans on the city itself. One staircase takes its cue from the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the flight Sylvester Stallone sprinted up on film. Outside, the plans call for more than half an acre of open space, with fan plazas and food and beverage options wrapped around the building.
“This is a new era for Philadelphia sports,” said Comcast chairman Brian Roberts, who pointed to the site rather than the structure. Ed Snider and the Spectrum made their history on that ground, and Roberts described the chance to build there as what makes the project special.
Sixers managing partner Josh Harris kept it shorter. “Philly fans deserve the best arena in the world,” he said, before promising a venue that would host moments defining the city for generations.
The Spectrum’s long shadow
The Spectrum opened in September 1967 as the first home of a brand new Flyers franchise, and the 76ers moved in alongside them. Both teams played there until 1996. Nearly six decades later, the same patch of South Philadelphia gets another arena.
The clubs say the renderings already reflect fan surveys, focus groups and community input, and that public review will run through the rest of the design and approval process. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called the plan a home worthy of the Flyers and the city. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said it promises to be an extraordinary home for NBA and WNBA basketball.
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