Front Office Sports Names Wells Fargo Center in Their List of Top 10 Best Venues

If you haven’t already heard, the Wells Fargo Center has had some major upgrades and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. The newly transformed Wells Fargo Center is receiving global recognition after completing its multi-year, $400 million renovation project. Front Office Sports, which is the leading media and news organization covering the business of sports, today released their 2024 slate of “Best Venues” with South Philly’s own Wells Fargo Center making the list which features a short list of just 10 venues in the world that includes stadiums, arenas, racing and other mixed-used venues.

The award honors venues that have met and exceeded the evolving demands of fans while setting the new industry standard for success. Venues were evaluated by Front Office Sports in collaboration with Sports Innovation Lab on several criteria including new technologies that improve the guest experience, exciting and engaging menu items, design features and mixed-use development opportunities. Other winners include Churchill Downs Racetrack (Louisville), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), Citi Field (New York) and Moody Center (Austin).

“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.”

In addition to hosting its main sports tenants of the Philadelphia Flyers, 76ers, Wings and Villanova Basketball, the arena regularly attracts the top touring acts in music, comedy and family entertainment. Wells Fargo Center hosts approximately 220 events per year and continues to hold the biggest cultural moments in the Philadelphia region including the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games, and WWE events during WrestleMania 40. Top performers in just the last two years include Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Madonna, Kevin Hart, Bad Bunny, the Jonas Brothers, Aerosmith, Nate Bargatze, Drake and Zach Bryan.

“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.”

 Wells Fargo Center’s transformation included the following:

• Wells Fargo Center’s transformation dates back to 2016 when the venue overhauled the Suite Level following the Democratic National Convention.
• The Mezzanine Level got a total makeover in 2018 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.
• 2019 proved to be the busiest year of the project and 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. That year the arena 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.
• In 2022, the new Club Level was unveiled 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. 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.
• 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.
• 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.