Philadelphia Gears up to Bring Professional Esport Events to the City fo Brotherly Love

Comcast Spectacor and The Cordish Companies Break Ground on $50 Million, Next- Generation Esports Arena in the Heart of the Philadelphia Sports Complex

Fusion Arena Exterior - Architect Rendition

It’s been since March 2019 when Comcast Spectacor and The Cordish Companies had announce the plans to build the new Fusion Arena and now the process construction has officially begun.

In September 2019, Comcast Spectacor and its real estate development partner, The Cordish Companies, gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of Fusion Arena in the heart of the Philadelphia Sports Complex. The development team was joined by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, members of Philadelphia City Council, and community and business leaders from across the region. Fusion Arena is scheduled to open its doors in early 2021 and initiates the next phase of Comcast Spectacor’s real estate development adjacent to the Wells Fargo Center, Xfinity Live! and the other home venues of Philadelphia’s beloved professional sports franchises.

Fusion Arena Groundbreaking

“We’re proud to break ground on this ambitious project that will usher in a new generation of fans and events to the Philadelphia Sports Complex,” said Dave Scott, Chairman and CEO, Comcast Spectacor. “Fusion Arena is a stunning addition to our development plan and partnership with The Cordish Companies, and exemplifies a strong belief in the future of esports.”

The project will create opportunities for local, minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses, as well as the creation of approximately 500 direct and indirect construction jobs. In addition to jobs, the development team estimates $1 million in economic benefit to the City and State in the first year of operation.

The $50 million, next-generation venue will stand as the largest new-construction, purpose- built esports arena in the Western Hemisphere. In addition to serving as a premier destination for competitive gaming events, Fusion Arena will also host a variety of live entertainment programming and experiences. Its primary tenant, the Philadelphia Fusion esports franchise, is one of 20 international teams competing in the Overwatch League. The groundbreaking kicked off an exciting five days of activation for the Overwatch League across the entire city during the lead up to the 2019 Grand Finals world championship that took place on Sunday, September 29 at the Wells Fargo Center.

“It is incredibly exciting for The Cordish Companies to celebrate the groundbreaking of Fusion Arena with our partners, Comcast Spectacor,” said Blake Cordish, Principal of The Cordish Companies. “Fusion Arena will debut as a state-of-the-art, world-class venue in an unparalleled location amid Philadelphia’s beloved professional sports teams.”

The groundbreaking of Fusion Arena comes at an exciting time as the Wells Fargo Center is in the midst of “Transformation 2020,” an extensive, multi-year $265 million renovation initiative. Fusion Arena adds $50 million of new development within Philadelphia’s Sports Complex, complementing a transformed Wells Fargo Center, Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park.

The Fusion will start playing matches at the new venue in 2021. They will play three homestand weekends in Philadelphia during the 2020 season at both The Met Philadelphia and Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. To purchase tickets, visit www.phillyfusiontix.com.

For more information on Fusion Arena, please visit www.fusionarenaphilly.com.

What do you think?

2.5k Points
Upvote Downvote

Blizzard Entertainment Reveals Diablo IV with the Terror we come to Expect in Their New Trailer

Star Wars Fans and Other Sci-fi Enthusiast Are Talking About Disney’s The Mandalorian