There's a new $2.5 billion plan to transform the South Philadelphia Sports Complex in the coming years.
The plans include upgrades at Xfinity Live!, a 5,000-square-foot concert venue, a new hotel, shopping and restaurants.
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These plans are being considered as "phase 1," according to a spokesperson from Comcast Spectacor.
Phase 1 will take place in what is currently Lots G and H at the Sports Complex.
"We think we have a great opportunity right here in the sports district," Chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor Dan Hilferty told NBC10. "Really focused on bringing people to this area in addition to times they come for games, concerts, other activities and making it a destination."
Comcast Spectacor wants tailgaters to know that there is no reason to worry.
"We're going to make sure that we balance development with not losing the things that make this region so great," Hilferty said
The concert venue is expected to hold over 5,000 seats and be built in Lot G.
The hotel will be open to both fans of sporting and entertainment events as well as visitors of the City of Brotherly Love.
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There are also plans in motion for apartments and office space but nothing's concrete there yet. These plans would be part of a "phase 2" and would possibly include connections to FDR Park.
"Come here not only to live, not only to attend games and concerts but to make a thriving neighborhood that is really an anchor in the South Philadelphia area," Hilferty explained. "I think it will be good, like a breath of fresh air, new restaurants, new stores."
Some fans in South Philly were excited to hear about the improvements.
Others, like the general manager of the Philadium, shared concerns about how the development might impact local businesses near the complex.
"If there's no reason for people to step outside of the sports arenas and venues, I think the rest of the neighborhood suffers," Jamie Kelly said.
Meanwhile, one woman we spoke with praised the plan hoping it might convince the Sixers to stay in South Philly.
"I don't think it should be changed from how it is. I think everything being in one place is awesome," she said.
A spokesperson for 76 DevCo said the development plans have no bearing whatsoever on their plans to move to Market East when their lease expires in 2031.
Still, Comcast Spectacor said they hope the Sixers might consider sticking around.
"The hope would be that the Sixers remain here as our 50/50 partner," Hilferty said.
The goal is for construction on the hotel and event venue to begin sometime in 2025 or 2026.
Comcast is the parent company of Comcast Spectator and of NBC10.
