Philadelphia 76ers, Flyers release first renderings of new arena
· Yahoo Sports
Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers released initial renderings of their new arena, which is to open in 2030 in South Philadelphia.
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The arena also will host the inaugural season that year of the city's WNBA team. Its construction marks the largest fully privately funded project in Philadelphia history. An early estimate put the cost at $1.3 billion.
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the 76ers, and Comcast Spectacor, which owns the Flyers and Xfinity Mobile Arena, are 50-50 partners in the new arena. Comcast will own the naming rights.
"This privately funded arena will be the home to moments and memories that define this city for generations," 76ers co-owner Josh Harris said.
"We ... look forward to partnering with Mayor Cherelle 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 new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Flyers and WNBA franchise will be surrounded by about 1/2-acre of outdoor space. Photo by Populous"I'm grateful to my partners David Blitzer, David Adelman, Brian Roberts and Dan Hilferty for helping make this vision a reality."
The arena's design is inspired by the Spectrum, which hosted the 76ers and Flyers for nearly 30 years. Stairs at the front of the arena will be built to mimic the iconic entrance at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The arena site features more than 1/2 acre of outdoor space.
A rendering is shown of the new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Flyers and WNBA franchise, which is set to in 2030. Photo by PopulousThe franchises plan to create about 15,000 jobs and generate nearly $6 billion in economic activity over the next decade from the project, which is expected to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue.
"This is a new era for Philadelphia sports," Comcast chairman Brian Roberts said. "To build our future where Ed Snider and the Spectrum made history makes this project truly special.
The new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Flyers and WNBA franchise will feature stars that mimic the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Populous"Working with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, we are creating a world-class experience worthy of Philadelphia's incredible fans."