Stateside Live! unveils its $20 million expansion: ‘It’s a nice place to be outside and enjoy the summer’

If you’re looking for a place to listen to local bands, play beer pong, and sip an espresso martini while watching a baseball game, a familiar venue could fit the bill.

Stateside Live!’s $20 million expansion is complete, and Philadelphians gathered for Friday’s opening night were excited about the new-look venue not just before games, but year-round.

“It’s amazing. Stateside Live! is a vibe,” said Shari Williams, a Philadelphia resident of 31 years. “I cannot wait to bring my girlfriends here, let our hair down, hang out and have a good time.”

» READ MORE: Stateside Live!’s $20 million renovation brings a beer garden and rooftop bar to the Sports Complex

Originally opening as Xfinity Live! in 2012, the venue a short walk to the sports complex has served as a gathering place before and after games.

With investments from Comcast Spectacor and The Cordish Companies, Stateside Live!’s expansion, complete with two performance spaces, a beer garden, and a rooftop bar, is expected to further support the community.

“Since 2012, our goal has been to keep expanding and reinvesting,” said David Cordish, CEO and chairman of the Cordish Companies. “What you’re seeing today is four times the size of what we built and opened in 2012.”

Added Comcast Spectacor CEO Daniel Hilferty: “We built a special place where people can come and watch a game, go to a concert, and hang out in this great venue. It’s so exciting to have this phase complete.”

A highlight of the expansion is the Coors Light Stage, which can accommodate up to 5,000 people. Many in the opening-night crowd were there to watch rock band Mayday Parade.

The Coors Light Stage was designed to support Philadelphia’s arts scene.

“Many nights, it’ll be a local or regional band,” Cordish said. “We have a history of local bands that build a following and move on to regional and national success. This will be a great place for them to come and showcase their talents.”

Though an avid Philadelphia sports fan, Angelique Kopacz of Philadelphia said she’s not just coming for games anymore.

“I love that they do live music here now,” she said.

“I’ll definitely be here just to chill out, too. It’s a nice place to be outside and enjoy the summer.”

» READ MORE: Stateside Live! announces its $20 million outdoor expansion just in time for summer

The space is complete just in time to support the influx of visitors and locals to South Philadelphia, from the FIFA World Cup to MLB All-Star Game festivities.

“Philadelphia loves its sports culture,” said Justin DeSalvo, associate vice president of operations at Live! Hospitality & Entertainment. “We’re going to have live entertainment, great food offerings, and a great beverage selection. You can skip the tailgate because this is the world’s best tailgate. You just show up, and we’ll take care of the rest.”

After the doors opened at 5 p.m., the space filled quickly. By 8 p.m., a line stretched down South 11th Street as people waited to enter the concert.

The crowd was a mix of Phillies gear and early 2000s rock band attire, and everyone was focused on having a good time.

“From our perspective, this is our home,” Hilferty said. “We are committed to making this an environment where people can come, play, get a meal, relax and enjoy entertainment.”

The multimillion-dollar expansion is just the beginning of a sweeping reimagining of the sports complex.

Announced by Comcast Spectacor in 2024, the more than $2.5 billion vision is expected transform the sea of parking lots surrounding the stadiums into a year-round hub for work, entertainment, and recreation.

Plans include a 250-room hotel, retail space, and a public plaza. The project also is being shaped by a proposed new arena for the Flyers, 76ers, and Philadelphia’s incoming WNBA franchise.

“I cannot wait to hang out here,” Williams said. “Philly really needed a space like this. It’s all centered around entertainment and sports, and you can’t get any better than that.”