Philadelphia's home venue is about to get a lot more purple.
Comcast Spectacor, the organization that owns the Flyers, announced yesterday that the Wells Fargo Center (WFC) will become Xfinity Mobile Arena. The change will become effective September 1, 2025. The announcement was made alongside the 76ers' owners, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.
“Philadelphia is home to the most passionate fans in the country, and that competitive spirit is a perfect complement to the Xfinity Mobile brand,” said Steve Croney, Chief Operating Officer, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast. “Xfinity Mobile is fueled by the largest and fastest WiFi network in America, which will give our Philadelphia fans an unrivaled experience at one of Philadelphia’s legendary sports and entertainment venues.”
The stadium was built on the location that previously housed John F. Kennedy Stadium (JFK), which most notably hosted Live Aid in 1995.
The WFC was given the tentative title of Spectrum II, an homage to the original home of the Flyers, when the project began over 30 years ago. Naming rights were ultimately awarded to CoresStates Bank, and the project went live as CoreStates Center. Through a variety of mergers, acquisitions, among other factors, the name changed to First Union Center, Wachovia Center, and Wells Fargo Center.
Given the perceived gruff nature of Flyers fans, First Union Center was lovingly called the F.U. Center. Some still refer to it as such. It just felt right.
As Comcast owns both Comcast Spectacor and Xfinity, the name change may have been inevitable. However, the timing is curious. The Wells Fargo Center underwent $400 million in renovations in 2023. Construction of a new stadium for the Flyers and 76ers will begin shortly, with a scheduled opening in 2031.
It is unclear whether the name change to Xfinity Mobile Arena happened now to secure naming rights for the new stadium or if another factor prompted the change. The naming rights are effective through the 2030-31 season.