$7billion franchises team up to ‘define the city’ as first images confirm $1bn next steps

Sep 8, 2026 - 14:00

Philadelphia has taken the next step into continuing to establish itself as one of the United States’ major sports cities.

The NBA‘s 76ers and NHL‘s Flyers have unveiled brand new renderings of their new arena as they prepare to depart Xfinity Mobile Arena.

The 76ers and Flyers have unveiled new renders of their South Philadelphia arena set to open in 2030

Set to be built on the former Spectrum site in South Philadelphia, which was demolished in 2010-11, the new arena has targeted mid-2030 as their open date – before the inaugural season of the city’s WNBA expansion team will get underway.

The project is also tipped to “deliver a next-generation fan experience and amplify the energy of Philadelphia sports, concerts, live entertainment and community programming.”

It is set to be the largest fully privately funded projected in the city’s history, per reports.

“This is a new era for Philadelphia sports,” Comcast chairman Brian Roberts said in a statement.

“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.”

The new arena, whose architecture draws inspiration from the old shape of the Spectrum, will also boast over half an acre of outdoor space featuring food and drink options for fans to gather in the heart of the arena district, as well as retail outlets.

The proposed staircase entrance to the arena itself has drawn inspiration from the steps up to the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art.

“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.

“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.

The arena will feature an expansive fan plaza with both restaurants and shops

A picture from the 76ers game against the San Antonio Spurs — The 76ers have been at their arena since 1997

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics embrace after the 76ers defeated the Celtics 109-100 in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. — New Sixers teammates Embiid and Brown will soon have a new home

“I’m grateful to my partners David Blitzer, David Adelman, Brian Roberts and Dan Hilferty for helping make this vision a reality.”

The Flyers hope that the return to the South Philadelphia site will reignite their success in the NHL, with both of their two Stanley Cups (1973-73, 1974-75) having been won there.

Hilferty took over as Flyers Governor in 2023, where he has since overhauled the team’s front office to put the Flyers back into Stanley Cup contention on a regular basis.

“This new arena will be a state-of-the-art home worthy of the Flyers, their fans, and the entire city,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.

“Comcast Spectacor and HBSE’s commitment to this project reflects a shared belief in Philadelphia’s future and a lasting investment in the city’s economic vitality.”

According to their joint statement, the stadium project is estimated to create nearly 15,000 jobs, with a forecast of $6 billion in economic activity being generated over the next decade.