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 is a multi-purpose indoor arena located at 3601 South Broad Street in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. The arena serves as the home of the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA, the Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL, the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League, and the Philadelphia Soul (formerly) of the Arena Football League. With a seating capacity of approximately 19,500 for basketball and 19,000 for hockey, the arena is one of the busiest event venues on the East Coast.[1]
Opened in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, the arena was designed by Ellerbe Becket and built to replace the Spectrum, which served Philadelphia's basketball and hockey teams from 1967 to 1996. The venue has hosted NBA All-Star Games, NHL Winter Classics, NCAA tournament games, major concerts, WWE events, and the 2016 Democratic National Convention.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]The Spectrum
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia's teams played at The Spectrum from 1967 to 1996. The Spectrum was legendary for its atmosphere and the successes of the "Broad Street Bullies" Flyers (Stanley Cup champions 1974 and 1975) and the 1983 championship 76ers. However, by the 1990s, the arena lacked modern amenities and revenue-generating luxury suites.
Construction
[edit | edit source]Comcast Spectacor (led by Ed Snider) built the new arena for approximately $210 million. The arena opened as the CoreStates Center on August 31, 1996, with a Gloria Estefan concert.
Name Changes
[edit | edit source]The arena has undergone several name changes:
- CoreStates Center (1996-1998)
- First Union Center (1998-2003)
- Wachovia Center (2003-2010)
- Wells Fargo Center (2010-present)
Major Renovations
[edit | edit source]A $300 million renovation from 2019 to 2023 transformed the arena:
- New center-hung video board (largest in North American sports)
- Upgraded club and suite areas
- Improved concourse spaces
- Enhanced food and beverage options
- New lighting and sound systems
Arena Features
[edit | edit source]Seating
[edit | edit source]| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Basketball | ~19,500 |
| Hockey | ~19,000 |
| Concert (end stage) | Up to 21,000 |
| Concert (center stage) | Up to 20,000 |
Video Board
[edit | edit source]The new center-hung scoreboard, installed in 2019, is the largest in North American sports venues:
- 65 feet tall
- Over 13,000 square feet of LED screen
- Provides immersive viewing experience
Premium Seating
[edit | edit source]- Luxury Suites: Private suites with catering
- Club Level: Upscale seating with lounge access
- Loge Boxes: Premium seating near the action
- Courtside/Rinkside: Premium floor-level seats
Sports Teams
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia 76ers
[edit | edit source]The 76ers have played at Wells Fargo Center since 1996. The team last won an NBA championship in 1983 (at the Spectrum) and has featured stars including Allen Iverson, Joel Embiid, and James Harden.
Philadelphia Flyers
[edit | edit source]The Flyers moved to the arena in 1996 after three decades at the Spectrum. The team's passionate fanbase fills the arena for hockey season, though the team last won the Stanley Cup in 1975.
Other Teams
[edit | edit source]- Philadelphia Wings: National Lacrosse League
- Villanova Wildcats: Select basketball games
Attending an Event
[edit | edit source]Getting There
[edit | edit source]- SEPTA Broad Street Line: NRG Station (AT&T Station)—direct subway access
- SEPTA Bus: Route 4, 17, G
- Parking: Large lots surrounding arena ($15-30 depending on event)
- Walking: Adjacent to Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field
Game Day Tips
[edit | edit source]- Arrive early: Security screening can create lines
- Know your entrance: Gates are numbered
- Cash and cards: Most concessions accept both
- Public transit: Highly recommended to avoid parking congestion
Food and Beverage
[edit | edit source]Post-renovation, the arena features:
- Local Philadelphia restaurants (Campo's, Federal Donuts)
- Premium club dining
- Craft beer selections
- Diverse concession options
Beyond Sports
[edit | edit source]Wells Fargo Center hosts approximately 250 events annually:
Concerts
[edit | edit source]Major touring acts regularly perform, including:
- Bruce Springsteen
- Taylor Swift
- Billy Joel
- Various arena tours
Special Events
[edit | edit source]- WWE: Wrestling events including WrestleMania
- Circus: Ringling Bros. (historically)
- Family shows: Disney on Ice, Monster Jam
- Conventions: Including 2016 Democratic National Convention
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Philadelphia 76ers
- Philadelphia Flyers
- South Philadelphia
- Lincoln Financial Field
- Citizens Bank Park
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About Wells Fargo Center". Wells Fargo Center. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Wells Fargo Center". Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025