Stadium entertainment districts — such as the one proposed in South Philly — are changing the game for fans around the country
Part of the goal is to create a destination, a southern gateway to Philadelphia that will boost tourism and attract new residents and ideas to the city.Across the United States and Canada, these types of mixed-use properties are growing like infield grass, with 41 planned or under construction and 43 more up and operating across the five major pro leagues, according to Maryland-based RCLCO Real Estate Consulting, which advises teams and cities on the developments.
At Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, the NBA Bucks built the Deer District on what was previously the Park East Freeway. It featuresThe Titletown development near the Green Bay Packers’ Lambeau Field in Wisconsin includes a park, skating rink, tubing hill, and virtual golf gaming center, along with a luxury five-story lodge.and NHL goalies played bare-faced, ticket sales drove owners’ profits.
“That means going outside the four walls of the building,” said the Wells Fargo Center’s Laws. “Like any industry, how do we expand our reach in terms of revenue?” Fans worry about loss of space for tailgating, a multigenerational tradition in Philadelphia. Ultimately, according to Comcast Spectacor, the stadium district would gain, not lose, 2,000 parking spaces. The company says it’s committed to ensuring that tailgating is preserved and even improved in the Sports Complex.It would expand the project onto lots controlled by the Phillies, reaching from Citizens Bank Park to Broad Street.
Comcast Spectacor Chairman and CEO Daniel Hilferty said the company believes “this could be a transformative development and true economic generator” for the city.