The Wells Fargo Center is an indoor arena that opened in Philadelphia in 1996. It was formerly known as the CoreStates Center, Wachovia Center and First Union Center and sits on the site of the former Philadelphia Municipal Stadium and John F. Kennedy Stadium. The arena is one of four main buildings in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which also includes Xfinity Live!, Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.
Over the years, the Wells Fargo Center has played host to a number of notable concerts and sporting events. Several Philadelphia sports teams call the Wells Fargo Center home, including the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, the Arena Football League’s Philadelphia Soul and the National Lacrosse League’s Philadelphia Wings. The arena is owned by Comcast Spectacor and operated by Global Spectrum. Construction was largely financed by private entities, though the city and state governments shared some of the costs associated with the local infrastructure.
The arena’s first event was a private concert by Ray Charles. He played for nearly 12,000 people on an August evening in 1996. A few weeks later, the arena also put on an inaugural concert featuring The Screaming Trees, The Manic Street Preachers and Oasis. Famous musicians like Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen have also played at the Wells Fargo Center. Banners hanging from the arena’s rafters commemorate the number of sold-out shows these rock legends have played in Philadelphia.
The Wells Fargo Center has also hosted major events like the 2000 Republican National Convention, several rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, 2007 American Idol auditions and 2010 Stanley Cup Finals. With a seating capacity of more than 20,000 people, the arena is a notable and respected venue for major entertainment and sporting events. Seating is available across several levels for sporting events and near the stage for concerts. Many events also feature standing-room admission tickets in addition to the standard capacity. The Wells Fargo Center provides accessible seating for guests with disabilities and premium seating options that include nearly 2,000 club boxes and 126 luxury suites.
Guests at the Wells Fargo Center can enjoy both private and public clubs and restaurants during large events. All attendees can visit PJ Whelihan’s Pub and the Cure Insurance Club. Members of the arena can also enjoy the luxurious atmosphere and premium dishes available at Cigar Bar and the Cadillac Grille. Finally, groups and attendees who purchase special packages can enjoy the full bar and delicious food inside the private Lexus Club.
Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia also maintains studios, offices and production facilities inside the Wells Fargo Center.
Wells Fargo Center Schedule
Wells Fargo Center Seating Chart
Parking Information for Wells Fargo Center
With eight separate parking lots located outside the Wells Fargo Center alone, attendees have plenty of options available. Each of the arena’s lots is lit and monitored regularly by security officers during all events and shows. Visitors can even reserve spots ahead of time online or by phone through comcastTIX. The arena encourages visitors to reserve parking when they purchase their tickets.
The Wells Fargo Center also maintains a website with traffic forecasts before major events. Visitors can find out whether parking is on a low, medium or high alert based on estimated attendance figures for events taking place at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Traffic information is updated regularly and is most accurate within a day of a given event.
Additionally, the Wells Fargo Center offers priority parking for Lexus drivers. A visitor with a Lexus simply has to pay the parking fee in order to receive access to one of several designated Lexus lots.
Many visitors to the Wells Fargo Center also choose to park on nearby streets to avoid parking fees and to beat the crowds. Such parking spots are not sponsored by the venue and are not monitored by security personnel.
Restaurants Near Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia is home to a number of unique cuisine styles and locally-owned restaurants. There are plenty of dining options available inside the Wells Fargo Center, but visitors will also find the following restaurants within just a few miles of the arena if they’re interested in branching out.
The popular sports bar and seafood restaurant has stands inside the Wells Fargo Center, but the full restaurant is located just a few blocks away. For many visitors, the expanded menu is worth the extra distance. Both locals and tourists love the famous crab fries and the delicious lobster pizza. After the game, head over for mussels, a cheesesteak or one of the bar’s unique cocktails.
Visitors who opt to visit McFadden’s should prepare for a wait. The popular sports bar is located right next to Citizens Bank Park and is often packed before, during and after games. The restaurant offers typical bar and pub food, including sandwiches, burgers and a wide selection of appetizers. Choose from a variety of beers on tap or select a specialty cocktail to get ready for a big game.
Tony Luke’s is a popular Philadelphia cheesesteak shop located near Wells Fargo Center. While there are plenty of popular places to find a cheesesteak in the city, there aren’t many that have been featured in The New York Times, Gourmet Magazine and GQ Magazine. With a unique take on the classic sandwich as well as the signature Pazotti, Tony Luke’s has plenty of tasty options to keep visitors coming back for more.
Wells Fargo Center visitors who happen to attend events between March and October can stop by Pop’s Italian Ice after the game for a cool, sweet treat. The refreshing Italian Ice and well-known Pop’s Sundaes are fan favorites for many Philadelphia locals. The famous dessert shop started in 1932 and boasts a long, successful history of 80 years.
While there are plenty of sandwich shops and sports bars located near the sports complex, it can be a little harder to find a quality Italian restaurant. However, Medora’s Mecca offers authentic Italian cuisine at reasonable prices within just a few blocks of the Wells Fargo Center. The restaurant features a casual, intimate setting that is perfect for a group of friends heading out to dinner before seeing a show.
With several locations across the city, Mexican Post is a popular destination for Philadelphia diners. Visitors to the Wells Fargo Center will enjoy this convenient location that offers an outdoor patio and fantastic happy hour specials. Try their special house margarita or sip on a refreshing mojito during the summer months. Best of all, diners also get free chips and salsa with their meals.
Sports fans and concert attendees who crave authentic Italian food will also love the menu selections at Celebre’s Pizzeria. The local Italian spot is particularly known for their famous specialty pizzas. However, Celebre’s also serves up sandwiches, burgers, cheesesteaks and their unique strombolis. With takeout options available and quick service, Celebre’s Pizzeria is a perfect choice for fans who are in a hurry to get to their seats on time.
Geno’s Steaks doesn’t have an indoor seating area, but visitors can sit at a table on the sidewalk. The small sandwich shop opened in 1966 and has continued to serve up high-quality, delicious cheesesteaks over the years. First-time visitors to Geno’s are typically surprised by the speedy ordering process, quick food preparation time and carefully prepared sandwiches.
Hotels Near Wells Fargo Center
Visitors from around the country will enjoy the convenience and amenities available at these hotels near the Wells Fargo Center. Each of these high-quality hotels is located near the Philadelphia Airport. After a long day spent exploring the city and taking in the entertainment at the Wells Fargo Center, relax and unwind at one of these top hotels.
The renovated Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport hotel features a number of two-room suites furnished with plasma televisions and ergonomic desk chairs. The hotel is located near a number of downtown Philadelphia attractions such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Wells Fargo Center. Complimentary shuttles take travelers to and from the airport in just five minutes.
This location of the popular Sheraton chain is also just a few minutes away by shuttle from the Philadelphia Airport. Guests will enjoy the hotel’s close proximity to the Wells Fargo Center and to the Philadelphia Sports Complex. The Four Points is also located just eight miles away from the city’s historic district and from the Philadelphia Convention Center.
Visitors who are interested in a chic, modern design will love the amenities available at Aloft Philadelphia Airport. The hotel features loft-inspired rooms, an open social lounge and exciting new technology. This unique destination is perfect for young travelers and visitors who want to experience something new.
