The Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers have unveiled the first exterior renderings of their new Populous-designed arena. Scheduled to open in 2030, the new arena is designed to deliver a next-generation fan experience and amplify the energy of Philadelphia sports, live entertainment and community programming.
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.
ABOVE: the new Populous-designed venue is targeted to open in 2030
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 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 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,” said Jonathan Mallie, managing director of the Americas at Populous. “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.”
ABOVE: the arena will act as an economic catalyst by driving activity for local businesses
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.
“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,” said Brian Roberts, chairman of Comcast Corporation.
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.
