Wells Fargo Center celebrates 20 years with free open house birthday party

It's been known by many names over the years, but the Wells Fargo Center turned 20 in August, and Comcast Spectacor is celebrating in October with a free, open house birthday party that will give fans an up-close look at the arena.

And, yes, that includes the chance to take shots at half-court. Or half-ice, depending on your sports preferences.

Scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Wells Fargo Center's 20th anniversary party is free to attend, but requires tickets, which are currently available online.

The party will feature celebrity appearances, games, and party favors, in addition to close-up looks at the arena's commemorative championship banners, penalty box, and locker rooms. Fans will also be able to win tickets to upcoming events at the Wells Fargo Center, with ticket giveaways scheduled every 20 minutes during the party.

The real draw, however, is the event's half-ice, half-court floor configuration — a first for the arena. That setup will allow attendees to take a shot on the Flyers goal or the 76ers basket, so sports fans may want to start their warm-ups soon.

"This is really an opportunity for us to say 'thank you' to the community, as well as our customers for their loyalty during these past 20 years," Wells Fargo Complex president John Page said in a release. "This will be a special year at the Wells Fargo Center."

The arena opened on August 31, 1996, as the CoreStates Center. Since then, its been known as the First Union Center, Wachovia Center, and the Wells Fargo Center, with its current moniker taking hold in 2010. In addition to hosting games from the Flyers, Sixers, and Soul, its 20th anniversary season will feature performances from AC/DC, Kanye West, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Cirque du Soleil, among others.