The dust has settled in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, where activists recently stymied 76 Place. The $1.3 billion venue, to be designed by Gensler, was scrapped in January. That month, city officials announced the 76ers and Flyers will remain in the South Philadelphia Stadium District, albeit in a new building.
Populous and Moody Nolan were selected by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and Comcast Spectacor to design the new arena. The development team is touting the future arena as among the “most technologically advanced and spectator-centric sports and entertainment venues in the world.”
David Adelman, HBSE limited partner previously behind 76 Place, said that, “Populous and Moody Nolan will leverage their collective expertise to help design a best-in-class fan experience with an emphasis on sustainability and multi-functional use.”
Wells Fargo Center, where the 76ers and Flyers play today, is not planned for demolition. Rather, it will be renamed Xfinity Mobile Arena and primarily host concerts, HSBE and Comcast Spectacor said this past May.
“Our focus is to create a new home that not only delivers a next-gen experience for fans but is also authentically Philly,” Jonathan Mallie, Populous managing director, said of the future stadium in a statement.
“Designing a space that reflects the culture, energy and pride of Philadelphia, while pushing forward what’s possible in fan-centered design, is a challenge we embrace with deep enthusiasm,” added Jonathan Moody, CEO of Moody Nolan.
The new arena in the South Philadelphia Stadium District would open in 2031, “with potential to accelerate,” Populous said. More details and renderings of the design will be shared at a later date.
The forthcoming stadium may also be home to a future WNBA team pending a successful bid for one, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said at a press conference last winter.
An alternative plan for the previous 76 Place site has not been revealed.