First look at exterior renderings of proposed new South Philadelphia arena

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers unveiled exterior renderings of the proposed new arena at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. The arena, set to open in 2030, will also serve as the home for Philadelphia's WNBA team. Architects Populous and Moody Nolan have been chosen to design the facility, which will replace the former Spectrum.

The arena's design aims to provide a next-generation fan experience while honoring the city's sports history. The teams hope the arena will deliver an exceptional atmosphere for sports, concerts, live entertainment, and community programming. Harris, the 76ers' managing partner, expressed optimism that Philadelphia would embrace the new arena's unique look, referring to it as futuristic.

The arena's design incorporates more than half an acre of outdoor space, featuring fan plazas, food and beverage options, and a grand entrance staircase inspired by the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. While some residents expressed excitement, others voiced concerns about the impact of game-day crowds on their quality of life, noting issues such as litter and urine on their steps.

Project leaders emphasized their commitment to preserving Philadelphia's sports legacy while enhancing the fan experience. They anticipate the arena to create nearly 15,000 jobs and generate $6 billion in economic activity over the next decade, as well as generate significant tax revenue for the city and School District of Philadelphia. The arena's name will be revealed at a later date.