The Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers have officially announced plans to keep playing games under one roof, albeit a new one slated to open in 2031 (or sooner) in South Philadelphia’s Market East area.
A press conference today led by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker included statements by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as well as attended by Flyers President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones, Flyers general manager Danny Briere, and Flyers Chairman and CEO Dan Hilferty.
“Ultimately, I need each and every one of you to know that this is about a win, win, win, win for Philadephia here on today,” Parker said during the presser, adding the news was “a curveball that none of us seen coming but we are here.”
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment 🤝 Comcast Spectacor
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 13, 2025
Together, we are announcing a joint venture to build world-class arena in South Philadelphia as well as revitalize Market East. https://t.co/koJg64C419 pic.twitter.com/ITLYHSEGPO
The arena will be a joint-venture (50-50) between the Flyers owners Comcast and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) “with the potential to accelerate to an earlier date” should circumstances arise. The locale hasn’t been finalized but will be in Market East in Center City. The deal also comes with Comcast “planning to take a minority stake” in the NBA club and join forces with HBSE to bring a WNBA franchise to Philadelphia. And Comcast will have the naming rights to the venue. There’s no word as to what the attendance is expected to be at the new arena.
The news was praised by the Chairman and CEO of Comcast (Brian L. Roberts) as well as NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Flyers Chairman and CEO Dan Hilferty. “We firmly believe we are better working together for Philadelphia,” Hilferty says. “This new arena will complement other exciting developments in the area, including Comcast Spectacor’s and the Philadelphia Phillies’ plans to create the country’s top sports and entertainment district. We will all work closely together to create an unmatched experience for the fans while developing a vibrant mixed-use district that serves our community.”
While there was praise, there was also some surprise at the decision after Philadelphia city council gave the green light to the Sixers’ plans for a new home, 76 Place, less than a month ago. The proposed venue was estimated to cost $1.3 billion.
The new arena would mark the third home the Flyers have played in during their history. Philadelphia played in the Spectrum from their inaugural 1967-68 season through to 1995-96. Their current home, Wells Fargo Center, has had another names starting with Corestates Center for a few seasons, then First Union Center until 2003, and then Wachovia Center until 2010.