PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — While we still don’t know an exact date when Sixers and Flyers fans will be allowed to attend home games again, an important step was taken toward making that a reality.
It’s been nearly a full year since fans got to see the Philadelphia Flyers or Sixers in action live at a home game. With the exception of one front-line family at each Flyers game this season, fans have yet to attend to be in arena during both team’s current campaigns.
But Wells Fargo Center senior vice president and general manager Phil Laws said they just took “a step forward into the eventual reopening of the arena” by earning a WELL Health-Safety Rating.
“We’re certainly hopeful we’ll have fans back in the arena later this year,” he told KYW Newsradio, “and this is a big step forward to do that as soon as possible and make sure it’s as safe as possible as well.”
The International WELL Building Institute “assesses new and existing buildings’ policies, protocols and emergency plans to address pandemic challenges and broader health and safety issues in the future,” according to a release sent by Comcast Spectacor.
“It’s a really big deal for us,” added Laws.
He said the Wells Fargo Center has been working to earn this rating for months, and had to make some changes along the way, including bringing outside air into the facility and other disinfection measures.
According to the release, the HVAC system that underwent an $11 million upgrade replaces air throughout the arena every 30 minutes. Ticket scanning and concession transactions are also now contactless thanks to new technology.
“I think more than being anxious and excited about welcoming fans back, it shows that we want to do it in a responsible way and a way that helps mitigate the risk for everyone as we return to live events,” said Laws.
Laws said “his crystal ball broke a long time ago” when KYW Newsradio asked him if they were eyeing a particular date when fans might be able to attend games again, but he did say fans are “dearly missed and we can not wait to welcome you back into the building.”
The Wells Fargo Center is the first live events venue in Pennsylvania to be awarded a WELL Rating.
Other certified venues include the Yankee Stadium and the AT&T Stadium.