Wells Fargo Center enters final phase of renovation

Seven years and $400 million later, the “The New Wells Fargo Center” is nearing the end of its massive renovation, with the final stage of work now underway, Comcast Spectacor said Monday.

New renderings show the outside of the arena illuminated with video boards and lines of lights.

Three new gigantic screens, measuring nearly 35 feet tall, are being added to the stadium, Comcast Spectacor said. The wraparound lights can change color or play a short video, to reflect team colors or the nature of the event, according to the company.

“These exterior upgrades feature the latest modern technology to bring new, excitingg elements to Philly’s home for sports and entertainment,” Wells Fargo Center President Phil Laws said in a statement.

In addition, they are working to widen the two Broad Street gates to the South Philadelphia sports complex, expanding from four lanes to six. Officials said, “The extravehicular space, along with more sales kiosks, should help traffic flow.”

The Wells Fargo Center opened 27 years ago, and the Sixers have pushed its age as a reason for their goal of a new, $1.3 billion arena on East Market Street in Center City.

Representatives from Comcast Spectacor, which owns the Flyers, point to the renovation project, which began in 2016 and is being completed in phases.

“This final stage of our transformation will cap off a seven-year project that has turned this arena into a brand-new venue,” Law said Monday.

The Sixers will remain in South Philadelphia until at least 2031 when the team’s lease expires. Their proposed arena, 76 Place, faces some obstacles at the moment, including ensuring city permissions amid resistance from communities in Chinatown.

The arena may look stunning. However, the teams playing inside, not so much.