Wells Fargo Center
| Type | Arena |
|---|---|
| Address | 3601 South Broad Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | South Philadelphia |
| Phone | (215) 336-3600 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1996 |
| Founder | Comcast Spectacor |
| Owner | Comcast Spectacor |
| Hours | Event days |
| Products | Basketball, hockey, concerts, events |
| Status | Active |
Wells Fargo Center sits at 3601 South Broad Street in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. It's home to the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), the Philadelphia Wings (National Lacrosse League), and formerly the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League. The place holds roughly 19,500 for basketball and 19,000 for hockey, making it one of the busiest event venues on the East Coast.[1]
The CoreStates Center opened its doors in 1996. Designed by Ellerbe Becket, it was built to replace the Spectrum, which hosted Philly's teams from 1967 to 1996. Since then, the venue's hosted NBA All-Star Games, NHL Winter Classics, NCAA tournament games, major concerts, WWE events, and the 2016 Democratic National Convention.[2]
History
The Spectrum
From 1967 to 1996, Philadelphia's teams played at The Spectrum. That building became legendary for its electric atmosphere and the dominance of the "Broad Street Bullies" Flyers, who captured the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975, as well as the 1983 champion 76ers. By the 1990s, though, the building was aging badly. It lacked modern amenities and didn't have the luxury suites that arenas needed to generate serious revenue.
Construction
Comcast Spectacor, led by Ed Snider, financed the project at roughly $210 million. The new building opened as the CoreStates Center on August 31, 1996, with Gloria Estefan headlining the inaugural concert.
Name Changes
The arena's been through several names over the decades:
- CoreStates Center (1996-1998)
- First Union Center (1998-2003)
- Wachovia Center (2003-2010)
- Wells Fargo Center (2010-present)
Major Renovations
Between 2019 and 2023, a $300 million overhaul completely transformed the place:
- New center-hung video board, the largest in North American sports
- Upgraded club and suite areas
- Improved concourse spaces
- Better food and beverage options
- New lighting and sound systems
Arena Features
Seating
| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Basketball | ~19,500 |
| Hockey | ~19,000 |
| Concert (end stage) | Up to 21,000 |
| Concert (center stage) | Up to 20,000 |
Video Board
Installed in 2019, the center-hung scoreboard is the largest in North American sports venues. It stands 65 feet tall with over 13,000 square feet of LED screen, creating an immersive viewing experience that's hard to forget.
Premium Seating
- Luxury Suites: Private suites with catering services
- Club Level: Upscale seating with lounge access
- Loge Boxes: Premium seating near the action
- Courtside/Rinkside: Premium floor-level seats
Sports Teams
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have called Wells Fargo Center home since 1996. They're still chasing another title after winning the championship in 1983 back at the Spectrum. Over the years, the team's featured legendary players like Allen Iverson, and more recently Joel Embiid and James Harden.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers transitioned to the new arena in 1996 after spending three decades at the Spectrum. Their passionate fanbase packs the building during hockey season, though the team hasn't won the Stanley Cup since 1975. Passionate doesn't begin to describe these fans.
Other Teams
- Philadelphia Wings: National Lacrosse League
- Villanova Wildcats: Select basketball games
Attending an Event
Getting There
- SEPTA Broad Street Line: NRG Station (AT&T Station) offers direct subway access
- SEPTA Bus: Route 4, 17, G all serve the area
- Parking: Large lots surround the arena, with fees ranging $15-30 depending on the event
- Walking: The venue sits right next to Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field
Game Day Tips
- Arrive early. Security screening can back up during popular events.
- Know your entrance. Gates are numbered for a reason.
- Cash and cards both work. Most concessions accept either.
- Public transit's your friend. It'll save you from parking nightmares.
Food and Beverage
After the renovation, the food options got way better. You'll find local Philadelphia restaurants like Campo's and Federal Donuts, premium club dining, craft beer selections, and a much wider range of concession choices than before.
Beyond Sports
The arena hosts approximately 250 events annually, and it's not just games.
Concerts
Major touring acts come through regularly, including:
- Bruce Springsteen
- Taylor Swift
- Billy Joel
- Various arena tours
Special Events
- WWE: Wrestling events including WrestleMania
- Circus: Ringling Bros. performed here historically
- Family shows: Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, and more
- Conventions: Including the 2016 Democratic National Convention
See Also
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Philadelphia Flyers
- South Philadelphia
- Lincoln Financial Field
- Citizens Bank Park
References
- ↑ "About Wells Fargo Center". Wells Fargo Center. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Wells Fargo Center". Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025