Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
Wells Fargo Center 3601 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19148
Year Opened: 1996
Capacity: 19,600
It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like a Flyers Game
The Philadelphia Flyers play at the Wells Fargo Center and share it with the NBA Philadelphia 76ers and NLL Philadelphia Wings. The multi-purpose indoor arena is located in the semi-heart of Philadelphia.
It 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 19,600 for hockey games, making it the 3rd largest in the NHL.
When the arena opened in 1996 it was known as the CoreState Center, then the First Union Center, and Wachovia Center before its current name was added in 2010. The building itself replaced the Flyers former home The Spectrum which debuted with the club’s expansion year of 1967. The building cost $210 million and sits on the site of the former John F. Kennedy Stadium which was the site for Live Aid and the annual Army-Navy football game.
Food & Beverage 4
The concession stands at the Wells Fargo Arena provide a multitude of options that are satisfying for a night out at the hockey game. The concourses offer traditional and non-traditional items such as chicken ropa tacos, smoke brisket egg rolls, and chorizo sandwiches.
Bueno Onda (Section 112) offers unique varieties of tacos and Mexican dishes. Trending Tastes (Section 107) is where you will find interesting concoctions of Hot Cheetos Bubble Waffles and lasagna chip nachos, and 9th Street Italian Sandwiches (Section 104 and 117) offers a range of sandwiches: Italian pork, meatballs, roast beef, and roasted turkey hoagies.
You will also find the usual items of hot dogs, chicken tender baskets, nachos, pretzels, soda, and beer. When in Philadelphia, you will find cheesesteaks and the arena does not disappoint but get one at one of the many locations around the city before or after the game. The sweet treats and desserts include Dippin’ Dots, Rita’s Water Ice, soft serve ice cream, and funnel cakes.
Atmosphere 4
The Wells Fargo Arena was state-of-the-art and similar to other designs that opened up during the early to mid-1990s. The parent company of the Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, completed close to $265 million in renovations to update and enhance the game day experience at the venue.
The renovations resulted in the world’s first Kinetic 4K center-hung scoreboard; it also features two independent crown trusses that move vertically and are equipped with pyrotechnic capabilities. Flames shoot out of the scoreboard during players’ introductions.
The seating bowls offer unobstructed views of the action of the ice and banners hang high above from the rafters. The light shows, the blasting music, the projections to create a greater atmosphere, a newer sound system, and big screens to catch the action with fun little games between lulls and commercial breaks like finding a fan or visitor that looks like a celebrity or cartoon character and throwing them up on the screen.
Neighborhood 4
There is a lot to explore in the city, from cheesesteaks to the Liberty Bell. The National Constitution Center offers a lot of history of our country from when the city was the capital of the United States. The Franklin Institute offers a variety of wonderful exhibits for the family, and Independence Hall is a must-see for any history buff. The Philadelphia Art Museum offers a trolley service provided by the museum and can take the entire day to see.
The best cheesesteaks in town can vary from who you talk to, but check out one of Tony Luke's locations or Jim's Steaks on South Street (formerly a nice district for shops and bars). The Reading Terminal Market is known for the city's other iconic sandwich, the roast pork, at DiNics, topped with rapini.
While at the stadium you have the Cadillac Grill, the Wells Fargo Center Cafeteria, the 1100 Social, and the Wells Fargo Center Fan Gear Stores at opposite corners of the Center.
Fans 4
Philadelphia fans are fickle and have a reputation, but leave the Pittsburgh Penguins jersey at home. First Lady Jill Biden loves to wear her orange and black, but so does someone who would dump a $10 beer on your head.
Rivals such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, and New York Rangers can create an intensity in the building and you might hear the occasional jab or choice words. Can you wear another team’s sweater without worrying about needing stitches? Sure, but put it away if you have any worries or with the kids.
Access 4
Located at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, the Wells Fargo Center is visible off I-95. You can park near the Arena or choose public transit using the SEPTA bus if spending time in the heart of Philadelphia.
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.
Keep in mind not to be intimidated to drive in the city of Philadelphia, it is surrounded by highways that form a circle like a moat around a castle. There will be plenty of opportunities to make a course direction, just don’t go over a bridge once in the “Philly” area.
Enter at any gate, during the holidays choose the opposite gate from you if you’d like to take in the festive purposeful, and thought-out holiday decor.
Once in the Center, there is plenty of activity, a room with conveniently located food & beverages, bathrooms, and help stations of friendly attendants.
Return on Investment 3
The average cost of a Flyers ticket can be as low as $37 and average out around $50. Rivalries against the New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins will up the cost, and so would holidays and the occasional weekend afternoon contest. Flyer fans are among the more loyal fanbases in the league and most games will be near capacity.
If coming from New Jersey or Delaware, expect to pay a small toll from the various bridges that lead into the city. If coming in from Pennsylvania, you will save a little more. parking, concession items, and merchandise follow along the lines of other NHL venues. The cost to park at the Wells Fargo Arena is $30, but there are covered and open lots that are half the price and require a brisk walk to the building.
Like most major league venues these days it could be extremely costly. The price of a live game is an experience, go once you may never have to go again. It’s all in the eye and wallet/purse (unfortunately these days) of the beholder.
Extras 3
There is no better time to see it done right than around the winter holiday season. They uniquely split the center in half decorating it for an American Christmas holiday season with one half representing the Flyers with orange and black and the other with the 76ers red, white, and blue. That may not be the case for all who attend a hockey game, but the Wells Fargo Center puts on quite a show.
Holidays at the Wells Fargo Center, Photo by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey
Final Thoughts
The Wells Fargo Center is still a first-class and modern building for hockey and sports fans. The atmosphere, energy, and festive spirit during the holiday season make it an ideal destination when it town.
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