Stateside Live! expansion nears completion, bringing major upgrades for fans

Stateside Live! is already buzzing with playoff excitement from the Sixers and Flyers — but that’s not the only reason for the energy.

A massive $20 million expansion of the South Philadelphia entertainment complex is nearing completion, promising a significantly larger and more dynamic experience for fans and visitors.

Set to officially open on May 29, the upgraded venue will look dramatically different for anyone who hasn’t visited recently. The expansion is designed to accommodate far larger crowds and a wider variety of events, transforming the space into a year-round destination.

Stateside Live! has long served as a go-to spot for fans unable to attend games in person, offering a lively atmosphere to watch matchups — like the Flyers’ recent road games. Now, the venue is scaling up in a big way.

“We can host private groups as small as 25 all the way up to groups the size of 9,000,” said Justin DeSalvo of Live! Hospitality. “We’ve also added a stage with a state-of-the-art LED screen for concerts and game-watching.”

The expansion comes as the Sports Complex continues to host roughly 300 events each year, including major upcoming attractions like World Cup matches and the MLB All-Star Game. Officials say the improved venue will play a key role in attracting even more high-profile events to Philadelphia.

“When we’re talking to organizations like the NCAA or even political conventions, they always ask about this space,” said Phil Laws of Comcast Spectacor. “It’s critical to landing those big-time events in the city.”

In addition to larger event capabilities, the revamped complex will introduce new dining and bar options, making it a destination even on nights without games or concerts.

Among the standout additions is the “Ava” rooftop bar, which developers say will be a game-changer for the area. Visitors can also expect other new additions such as indoor concert stages and views of touchdowns and fireworks at Lincoln Financial Field.

Despite winter weather challenges, construction crews have pushed forward to stay on schedule. Workers are even incorporating pieces of Philadelphia sports history into the build, using bricks from the old Spectrum Arena to construct decorative walls along a walkway.

“It was a tough winter to work through, especially pouring concrete in freezing conditions,” said Shawn Carlin of Gilbane Construction. “That really compresses the timeline, but we’ve kept things moving.”

With the grand opening just weeks away, developers say the project will be ready to welcome fans by May 29 — just in time for what they hope will still be an active playoff season for the Sixers and Flyers.

For sports fans and visitors alike, Stateside Live!’s expansion signals a major upgrade to one of Philadelphia’s premier entertainment hubs.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.

Comcast is the parent company of both Comcast Spectacor and NBC10 Philadelphia.