May 29, 2024

Wells Fargo Center recognized as one of 'Best Venues 2024' by 'Front Office Sports'

Philadelphia’s premier venue for sports and entertainment one of only 10 venues in the world to receive the award

By Wells Fargo Center

Limited - Wells Fargo Center - Branded Exterior

Provided Courtesy/Wells Fargo Center

The Wells Fargo Center is receiving global recognition after completing its multi-year, $400 million renovation project. The newly transformed arena was named as one of the top 10 venues in the world by Front Office Sports, the leading media and news organization covering the business of sports. The 2024 “Best Venues” award honored venues that have met and exceeded the evolving demands of fans while setting the new industry standard for success.

“As we completely transformed this iconic venue, we always had one goal: to elevate and enhance the fan experience,” said Dan Hilferty, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor. “We share this recognition with everyone who made the transformation possible including the building trades, carpenters, our employees and our fans. The completion of the renovation project is only the beginning of our reimagining of the Sports Complex, and we look forward to game-changing redevelopment in partnership with the Phillies.”

Venues were evaluated based on several criteria, including new technologies that improve the guest experience, exciting and engaging menu items, design features and mixed-use development opportunities.

The transformation timeline

The Wells Fargo Center’s transformation began in 2016 when the venue overhauled the Suite Level following the Democratic National Convention. In 2018, the Mezzanine Level got a total makeover with new and expanded food and beverage options, concourse layouts with skyline views, over 150 new LED game-action screens and upgraded points of sale.

Provided Courtesy/Wells Fargo Center

The East Food Hall at the newly transformed Wells Fargo Center.

In 2019, the stadium saw a full overhaul of the main concourse and introduced an expansive food hall style market and a bistro meets marketplace complete with a “Grab & Go” food and beverage boutique. It also debuted its first court and rink side club, the Shift4 Club, which provides guests an exclusive all-inclusive experience with easy access to the best seats in the house.

The new Club Level was unveiled in 2022 with open concepts and design honoring Philadelphia’s rich sports and entertainment past while showcasing the newest technologies, world-class dining options and curated bar and shopping experiences.

Limited - Wells Fargo Center Shift4 Club.jpg

Provided Courtesy/Wells Fargo Center

Shift4 Club at Wells Fargo Center.

To cap off the interior renovations, the venue completely reimagined the Event Level which included new, modern locker rooms and other world-class amenities for teams and performers. Other upgraded amenities include weight and cardio rooms, state-of-the-art medical facilities including a trauma center, and top-of-the-line family spaces for both teams to create a home and away from home for top talent.

Provided Courtesy/Wells Fargo Center

The Flyers' brand new, state-of-the-art locker room.

Earlier this year, the final phase of the project showcased exterior upgrades which included the addition of three massive LED digital boards, customizable strut lighting, and three entry pavilions for ease of entry for all guests.

Provided Courtesy/Wells Fargo Center

The Wells Fargo Center's exterior upgrades included the addition of three massive LED digital boards.

“For over three decades, we've booked the biggest and best touring acts and events in both sports and entertainment, continually raising the bar as a must-play venue,” said Phil Laws, Chief Operating Officer of Comcast Spectacor. “As we come out of our transformation, we’re more committed than ever to keep evolving, embracing new ideas, and advancing every guests’ experience for years to come. This recognition really encapsulates all the hard work from our team each and every day to make Wells Fargo Center one of the best venues in the industry.”

A major theme and constant throughout the transformation was investment in the latest technology in order to elevate the guest experience. The arena introduced the world’s first 4K kinetic scoreboard, Wi-Fi and connectivity enhancements, cutting-edge game presentation and audio systems, an $11 million HVAC system, frictionless security technology, concession mobile ordering, and much more.

For more on the Wells Fargo Center’s transformation, visit thenewwfc.com.

Wells Fargo Center