Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and Comcast have joined forces to create a 50-50 partnership aimed at building a top-tier arena in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. This venue will be the new home for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Philadelphia Flyers.
Scheduled to open in 2031, with hopes of an earlier launch, this arena promises to be one of the most advanced and eco-friendly sports facilities in the nation. Beyond the arena itself, the partnership will also invest in revitalizing Market East in Center City.
This collaboration is set to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy, generating billions for Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Comcast is also looking to acquire a minority stake in the 76ers and intends to help bring a WNBA team to the city.
Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast, said, “This is an exciting day for Philadelphia. We’re thankful to Mayor Parker and Governor Shapiro for their support. Together, we will create a premier sports and entertainment venue that will benefit the region for years to come.”
HBSE leaders Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and David Adelman are equally enthusiastic about the project. They believe this joint effort will bring significant changes to the city and enhance the experience for sports fans. They expressed gratitude to various local leaders who have supported their vision.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also echoed the excitement, stating that this partnership will provide a world-class arena for fans of the 76ers and the Flyers, with potential for additional teams in the future.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman shared his enthusiasm, highlighting the long-standing tradition of passionate sports fans in Philadelphia and how this new arena will elevate their experience even further.
In this joint venture, both organizations will have equal representation on the board, with an HBSE member as Chair. Comcast will hold the naming rights to the new arena. Additionally, they are committed to revitalizing Market East, working with local officials and stakeholders to explore options for the area.
Dan Hilferty, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor, believes in the power of collaboration for the benefit of Philadelphia. He emphasized that this arena will complement other exciting projects in the region and create an unmatched experience for sports fans, while fostering a vibrant neighborhood.