PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A groundbreaking on Wednesday kick-started one of Philadelphia’s largest capital projects leading into the 2026 semiquincentennial. The Mann Center for the Performing Arts is getting a new name and a major makeover.
The Mann Center, one of the country's largest outdoor music venues, will now be known as the Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts. Along with the new 12-year partnership with Highmark Blue Shield is a $70 million investment in renovations. President and CEO Catherine M. Cahill said the relationship began when they established their Highmark Skyland stage.
“As we got to know them and they got to know us, it became apparent that this was more than just a relationship or a transaction, and we moved from a transaction to really a transformation,” she said.
The project coincides with both the Mann’s 50th anniversary next year and the nation’s 250th birthday. Cahill said when it’s all completed, concertgoers will have a transformative experience, especially when they see the east wall.
“Think Times Square. We will now be transforming that wall into a live video LED screen for the entire trapezoid shape of what that east wall is,” she said. “And it's enormous. I think it's 42,000 square feet.”
Renovations will include a 40,000 square foot plaza, which is three times the size of the current plaza area. There will also be new interactive digital installations, a new ticket office accessible from inside and outside of the gates, ADA accessibility enhancements, and state-of-the-art digital enhancements across the venue.
Cahill said the expansion is a response to a growing audience.
“As our number of programs have expanded and the size of our audiences have happily expanded,” she said.
“Our current Plaza was no longer sufficient to handle the demands of food and beverage experiences, restroom experiences, and merchandise experiences. It was all not working, so it was time.”
The investment also includes education and community initiatives.
All renovations are expected to be complete by next spring, in time for a season of signature programming featuring The Philadelphia Orchestra and other performances.