Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
Wells Fargo Center 3601 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19148
Year Opened: 1996
Capacity: 19,173
A New Era Of Orange in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Flyers, are in the second year of their A New Era of Orange campaign, and fortunes appear to be changing at Wells Fargo Center under veteran coach John Tortorella in his third season. The Flyers fell just four points short of qualifying for the playoff last year for the first time since 2020 and their fortunes may be changing. That’s not the only thing changing on Broad Street as the arena’s corporate sponsorship with Wells Fargo comes to an end in August. The arena has been tied to Wells Fargo and its predecessors since it opened in 1996. The arena was named Core States Center from 1996-1998, First Union from 1998-2003, Wachovia from 2003-2010, and Wells Fargo since.
The team’s resurgence is being led by mainstays Travis Konecny and Sean Couturier. along with young Russian sensation Matvei Michkov and defenseman Travis Sandheim.
The Philadelphia Flyers share the building with the NBA Philadelphia 76ers and the National Lacrosse League Philadelphia Wings. The NBA franchise said it does not intend to stay at the arena beyond the end of its 2031 lease. The multi-purpose indoor arena is located at what is now known as the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which includes other venues like Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles), and Xfinity Live! The building seats 19,173 for hockey games, making it the 4th largest in the NHL. The arena, which is owned by Comcast Spectacor, which also owns the Flyers, replaced the Flyer's former home The Spectrum which debuted with the team’s NHL entry in 1967. Fans know who the landlord is as they glance upward and on each side are illuminated letters reading “Welcome To Comcast Country”.
Food & Beverage 4
Wells Fargo has stepped up its food and beverage game over the past few years.
Chickie’s and Pete’s (South Entrance and East Food Hall and 204, 210, 216, and 222 on the upper level) and Shake Shake (Section 116) are among the signature places to eat in the arena. Other choices include AC Subs (Section 110), Buena Onda (Section 112) offers unique varieties of tacos (chicken ropa, pork al pastore, and jumbo pacific shrimp to name a few), bowls, and burritos, Cuz’s Pizza, Beach Treats (120) with staple items from the Jersey Shore including fresh funnel cakes with toppings, Dippin' Dots, cotton candy, corn dogs, roasted nuts, fudge, and assorted chocolate treats. 9th Street Italian Sandwiches (Sections 104 and 117) offers a range of sandwiches: Italian pork, meatballs, roast beef, and roasted turkey hoagies. Of course, the traditional stadium fare of hot dogs, chicken tender baskets, nachos, pretzels, soda, and beer is available too. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice.
AC Subs and Chickie’s and Pete’s are two places for cheesesteaks (remember when you’re in Philly no need to call them Philadelphia cheesesteaks). But the best move is to hit one of the legendary places nearby. John’s Roast Pork, Tony Luke’s, and Jim’s South Street are three possible options not too far away.
In the arena, sweet treats and desserts include Federal Donuts (Section 102 & 207), Insomnia Cookies (118 & 207), Rita’s Water Ice, and soft serve ice cream.
Atmosphere 4
The crowd is enlivened by the Flyers hype video and the appearance of its mascot Gritty on the ice who plants the Flyers flag, then takes to center ice like a Rocky replica and knocks out a “player” wearing the opposing team’s jersey.
The atmosphere is first-rate as the public address announcer blares “Are….. you ready for some hockey” leading up to puck drop. Gritty energizes the crowd throughout by banging on his drum to lead the “Let’s Go Flyers” chants.
Wells Fargo Center underwent renovations in 2020 as part of a $265 million "Transformation 2020" initiative. It debuted a new kinetic 4K-resolution scoreboard in September 2019. Flames shoot out of the scoreboard during player introductions when the Flyers take the ice.
The scoreboard flashes a wide array of stats. The only negative is it does not show who is on the ice for each team during live action. Music was played at an acceptable level. Wells Fargo does have an organ but unfortunately, it was rarely used.
The upper bowl is separated from the lower by a club and suite level. The upper level seems high but the views are still adequate. The one drawback is drink holders are on the armrests not the seats in front.
Neighborhood 4
The good news is there is plenty to do in Philadelphia. The bad news is within walking distance of the arena not so much. The main attraction is Xfinity Live with a host of restaurants and bars highlighted by sports bar NBC Sports Arena.
The other attractions are a short drive away. The National Constitution Center ($19) is a 15-minute drive and sits half a mile away from the Liberty Bell (free admission) and Independence Hall (free until 10:30 and then $1 per ticket).
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Art Museum, and Reading Terminal Market are a few other stops. Be sure to take a picture with the Rocky Statute and then race up the steps of the art museum to pay homage to the Italian Stallion.
The Reading Terminal Market is known for the city's other iconic sandwich, the roast pork at DiNic’s, best topped with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. The Market (which opened in 1893) also features Miller’s Twist Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels, Beiler’s Bakery and Donuts, and an array of other great choices for food, flowers, and specialty items.
Fans 4
While Flyers fans often get a bad reputation, losing has tamed the fans to an extent. The enthusiasm seems to be coming back and maybe the bravado will follow.
A playoff appearance will lead to more Flyers fans and fewer out-of-towners invading their building. Attendance is up 1.5% over last season, but the Flyers have gotten off to a mediocre start at home.
The fans are knowledgeable and passionate, but it takes performance to win them over. This will be a huge year as Tortorella is no longer in the honeymoon period. While most media types did not predict the Flyers to make the playoffs, it might be necessary to qualify to keep the fans on board with Torterella’s rebuild, who is signed through 2025-26.
Access 4
The arena is located at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and is visible off I-95. Fans can park near the arena or choose public transit using the SEPTA bus or subway. The orange or Broad Street Line ends at NRG Station. The station’s naming rights were sold to NRG Energy in 2018. The fare is $2.50 one way and once fans arrive it is a quick jaunt across the parking lot into Wells Fargo.
If driving, coming from the East, through New Jersey you can easily take the New Jersey Turnpike, I-295, and US-1. If in Pennsylvania you can take either Rt. 76 or Rt 95.
There are four entrances and doors open 90 minutes prior to game time. The Will Call window at the Wells Fargo Center is located at the Box Office, located on the northwest corner of the building.
Return on Investment 3
The Flyers were ranked just below the league average according to the Fan Cost Index ($408.40) which comprises the prices of four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one hour, two game programs and two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps.
Fans can purchase upper-level seats for less than $50 on the secondary market for many weeknight games. Weekends and games against rivals will cost much more and well over $100 if looking for lower bowl seats. Despite not making the playoffs since 2020, Flyer fans usually sell out the building and averaged 18,438 per game in 2023-24 (up 4.6%).
The cost to park at the Wells Fargo Arena is as low as $20 at one of the eight lots that encircle the arena.
Food prices are typical for NHL venues. Chicken tenders and fries is $13.85, a pizza slice is $11.09, Soft Pretzel $6.35, 24 oz premium beer is $16.55, and $8.25 for a soda. Crab fries (old bay seasoned) from Chickie’s and Pete’s were tasty but not worth it at $17.27.
Extras 3
One point goes to the Flyer's fabulous duo of Lou Nolan on the Public Address and Lauren Hart with a rousing rendition of the national anthem. Nolan had been a mainstay since 1972. Hart is the daughter of legendary Flyers broadcaster Gene Hart, who called the Flyers games for 25 years.
One point goes to the Flyers’ game-day production. Flyers do it right by introducing the starting lineups for both teams not just the home team. They do not announce the arrival of the Flyers for warmups and no goal horn blares when Philadelphia hits the ice. Old-school production value is welcomed.
A third point is for the Bubble Hockey and Pop-a-Shot machines on the upper level. Hockey is $2 per game and basketball is $1. The only place in this cashless venue where cash is an option.
Final Thoughts
Taking in a game at Wells Fargo is worthy of a Stadium Journey. The excitement level and fan support will only get better if the Flyers continue their upward trajectory.
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