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The Miami Art Journal

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Populous and Moody Nolan reveal Philadelphia arena designs

The Editors ·

Populous and Moody Nolan reveal Philadelphia arena designs

Architecture studios Populous and Moody Nolan have unveiled designs for a new professional sports arena in Philadelphia, drawing direct inspiration from the city’s demolished Spectrum venue. The proposed structure is intended to serve as the home for the NBA’s 76ers, the NHL’s Flyers, and a forthcoming WNBA team, replacing the Xfinity Mobile Arena, which was completed in 1996 within the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.

The architectural concept features a circular form composed of concentric, stacked rings that are slightly offset from one another. These rings alternate between glazed facades and LED displays, creating an exterior defined by stacked, cantilevered bands. The design team states that this configuration breaks down the scale of a typical arena while establishing a bold, instantly recognizable profile for the site.

According to a joint statement from the teams, the architecture reimagines the shape of the original Spectrum, which was built in 1967 and designed by SOM, through a contemporary lens. The venue aims to connect future gatherings to one of the city’s most storied sports sites, with the exterior bands creating a landmark presence in South Philadelphia.

The surrounding plaza is planned as an area for active outdoor spaces, featuring entry stairs that reference other Philadelphia landmarks such as the art museum. This half-acre of outdoor space will include restaurants, with the final form of the area still pending fan feedback.

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Comcast Spectacor, the respective owners of the 76ers and Flyers, describe the project as the largest fully privately funded development in the city's history. The announcement follows recent coverage of advances in sports architecture and other NBA developments across the United States.

Source: Dezeen