- July 1, 2025
- Posted by: SportsV
- Categories: Event News, Featured Articles, Features, Home News, Industry News, News, Press Releases
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, spectator-centric sports and entertainment venues in the world.
Jonathan Mallie, Managing Director – Americas for Populous, said:
“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. Our focus is to create a new home that not only delivers a next-gen experience for fans but is also authentically Philly.”
David Adelman, Limited Partner of HBSE and Chairman of the joint venture between HBSE and Comcast-Spectacor, said:
“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. 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.
Jonathan Moody, CEO of Moody Nolan, said:
“We’re honoured to partner with Populous on this monumental project and contribute our perspective and expertise. Designing a space that reflects the culture, energy and pride of Philadelphia, while pushing forward what’s possible in fan-centred design, is a challenge we embrace with deep enthusiasm.”
Populous is a Sponsor for the 2025 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition being held at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK, on October 6-7th. An Opening Night Icebreaker will kick things off on October 5th (venue TBC) and the industry-leading event will close with the SVB LIVE Awards at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park on the evening of October 7th.
Populous is known for its dynamic design approach, which synthesises 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 venues 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.
Source: Populous
SVB LIVE events focus on elevating the live experience through architecture & design, commercialisation, customer journey, fan & premium experience, hospitality, interiors & fit-out, sustainability and technology.
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