Populous Selected to Design New World-Class Arena for Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers in South Philadelphia

Global design firm Populous, in collaboration with associate architect Moody Nolan, has been selected by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and Comcast Spectacor to design a state-of-the-art arena in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.

Slated to open in 2031, with potential to accelerate, the new arena is set to become the future home of the Philadelphia 76ers and the Philadelphia Flyers and will stand among the most technologically advanced and spectator-centric sports and entertainment venues in the world.

“As the Sixers and the Flyers begin to bring to life their vision for a new arena in South Philadelphia, we’re thrilled to join the team as their lead design partner,” said Jonathan Mallie, Managing Director- Americas for Populous. “Our focus is to create a new home that not only delivers a next-gen experience for fans but is also authentically Philly.”

“Together with our partners at Comcast Spectacor, we are excited to welcome Populous and Moody Nolan to help execute on our shared vision for a new arena in South Philadelphia,” said David Adelman, Limited Partner of HBSE and Chairman of joint venture between HBSE and Comcast-Spectacor. “Our goal has always been clear – to bring the world’s greatest sports and entertainment venue to the City of Philadelphia. Populous and Moody Nolan will leverage their collective expertise to help design a best-in-class fan experience with an emphasis on sustainability and multi-functional use.”

Populous and Moody Nolan will work closely with the Sixers and Flyers to deliver a transformative venue that redefines the fan experience and strengthens the connection between the teams and the city they represent.

“We’re honored to partner with Populous on this monumental project and contribute our perspective and expertise,” said Jonathan Moody, CEO of Moody Nolan. “Designing a space that reflects the culture, energy and pride of Philadelphia, while pushing forward what’s possible in fan-centered design, is a challenge we embrace with deep enthusiasm.”

Populous is known for its dynamic design approach, which synthesizes architectural expertise and understanding of fan experience to deliver stadiums authentic to their cities and primed for economic impact. The global design firm has designed some of the most iconic sports venues in the world, including nearly 20 professional arenas and notable projects such as T-Mobile Arena, UBS Arena, Fiserv Forum and Climate Pledge Arena. Its work spans every continent and continues to shape the future of sports and entertainment architecture.

Moody Nolan brings extensive experience in designing sports and athletic venue across all levels of competition. The firm’s arena portfolio includes Wintrust Arena in Chicago, a dual-purpose facility that serves both professional (WNBA) and collegiate (DePaul University) basketball. Moody Nolan also contributed to the renovation of Progressive Field in Cleveland, demonstrating its broader expertise in major league sports venues.

More details regarding the new arena will be released at a later date.