X now marks the spot.
The curtain was officially dropped, revealing the new signage on the home of the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers in South Philadelphia.
The purple lights of the Xfinity Mobile Arena will shine brightly for the foreseeable future, marking a new era at the stadium district. Xfinity employees and team representatives gathered in the parking lot on Sept. 2 to celebrate the renaming of the 29-year-old building.
Flyers mascot Gritty helps bring down the curtain in South Philly to unveil the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Photo/Mark Zimmaro
“I’m in awe and humbled to be standing in front of the iconic arena that showcased so many incredible sports and entertainment moments,” said Matt Lederer, Vice President of Brand Partnerships & Engagement at Comcast. “Today marks another defining moment. Much more than just a new brand and a new color, although it looks great. We’re also introducing a massive upgrade to the arena’s Wi-Fi network with tech so intelligent that fans are going to experience 10-times faster speeds when they enter the arena.”
Technology was the driving force behind the excitement of the rebrand, as Xfinity replaces Wells Fargo as the primary sponsor of the building. Wells Fargo was the longest-tenured sponsor, dating to 2010. Others included CoreStates, First Union and Wachovia.
Lederer said fans at the arena will enjoy high-speed internet, which will extend to the parking lots of the Xfinity Mobile Arena to benefit tailgaters.
“No more buffering or waiting to send amazing moments that are captured here,” Lederer said. “Xfinity Mobile Arena is the first arena on the East Coast to leverage recently introduced high-power Wi-Fi and we are excited that that milestone was introduced as it should be, right here in Philly.”
The celebration comes less than a month before the Flyers play their first preseason game at the newly-named venue on Sept. 25 vs. the Boston Bruins. Their home opener is on Oct. 13 against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. The 76ers first take the home court on Oct. 10 in a preseason game against the Orlando Magic. Their home opener is on Oct. 25 against the Charlotte Hornets.
Members of the Flyers Dance Team celebrate the unveiling of the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Photo/Mark Zimmaro
Sixers players Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe were on-hand at the unveiling, along with mascot Franklin. The Flyers were represented by captain Sean Couturier and defenseman Travis Sanheim, along with mascot Gritty.
“It just brings the excitement. It’s that time of year again,” Sanheim said. “Guys are excited to get back (here) and get back to playing. This is obviously a huge event and something that was fun to be a part of.”
The Flyers have missed the postseason the last five years and actually haven’t played a playoff game in South Philly since the 2017-18 season, since the 2020 playoffs were held in Canada due to the pandemic. However, the building has hosted two Stanley Cup Finals and one NBA Finals.
Other notable events held at the arena were the 2016 Democratic and 2000 Republican National Conventions, the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, WrestleMania XV, 2002 NBA All-Star Game and numerous NCAA tournament games and concerts. It is also the current home of the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League.
“We are proud Xfinity Mobile Arena serves as the centerpiece for top sporting and entertainment events in Philadelphia,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, Chairman and CEO, Comcast Spectacor. “With Xfinity Mobile, we’re bringing the fastest wireless service and Comcast’s cutting-edge technology to enhance the fan experience. Comcast Spectacor’s commitment to exceptional service ensures that we will continue to offer fans and guests the best experiences in the years ahead.”
The 76ers Drum Line entertains guests at the unveiling of Xfinity Mobile Arena. Photo/Mark Zimmaro
The arena experienced a multi-year, more than $400 million privately funded transformation, which was completed last year.
“The incredible investments Xfinity Mobile has committed will allow our fans to stay connected and share every shot, dunk and celebration,” said Tad Brown, CEO of HBSE and the Philadelphia 76ers. “We can’t wait to welcome our fans back to Xfinity Mobile Arena soon as we have some fun things planned for them this season.”
Xfinity will hold the naming rights until 2031. At the same time, a new $1.3 billion privately-financed arena is set to open, owned by Comcast Spectacor and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.