The first exterior renderings have been released for a proposed Philadelphia arena that would be shared by the Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Flyers and the city’s incoming WNBA team.
The images show stacked, cantilevered bands around the building, based on the form of the Spectrum, the indoor arena that once occupied the site. Populous said the horizontal treatment is intended to reduce the apparent scale of the building.
Populous, a global architecture and design practice specialising in sports and entertainment venues, is designing the arena with US architecture practice Moody Nolan.
Arena design references the Spectrum
The Spectrum stood on the site for more than 40 years and hosted the Flyers and 76ers for nearly three decades. The exterior bands reinterpret the Spectrum’s form for the proposed arena, adapting its proportions and materials to the new building.
“We chose to build on that, literally and architecturally,” said Jonathan Mallie, global director and managing director of the Americas at Populous. He described the bands as a direct reinterpretation of the earlier venue.
Outside, the plans include more than half an acre of flexible public space and plazas. A broad stair would provide the principal approach to the arena, while separate pavilions indicate how its restaurant and food-and-beverage provision could be expanded.
The renderings incorporate feedback gathered from supporters and other stakeholders on the arena, its public spaces and amenities. Further surveys, focus groups, community engagement and public review are planned during the design and approval process.
Construction team appointed for Philadelphia arena
PACT+, a joint venture led by construction companies Turner Construction and AECOM Hunt, will serve as construction manager. The team also includes Philadelphia-based Perryman Construction, Hunter Roberts Construction Group and Camfred Construction.
The construction team was appointed in October 2025 to work with Populous and Moody Nolan.
The arena is being developed through a 50-50 joint venture between Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, a sports and entertainment ownership group, and Comcast Spectacor, which owns and operates the Philadelphia Flyers and the city’s existing arena. Each partner has equal board representation, with an HBSE representative serving as chair.
Opening target moved to 2030
When the joint venture was formed in January 2025, the arena was expected to open in 2031, with the possibility of an earlier date.
The project is now targeted to open ahead of the inaugural 2030 season of Philadelphia’s WNBA expansion team and the corresponding NBA and NHL seasons. The WNBA and NBA boards of governors formally approved the Philadelphia franchise in April 2026.
The arena would become the new home of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers. Concerts, other live events and community programmes are also planned.
The project partners say the arena will be privately funded.
