Rendering of Philly Live! from 2008. We're not sure it's gonna look quite like this. Image from Arnold Imaging

Philly Live!, a 300K plus sqft. entertainment complex, will sit on the site of the former Spectrum, between Citizens Bank Park and the Wells Fargo Center. It was first announced over three years ago, when the above rendering was produced, without a clear start-time or expected completion date. As we watched the Spectrum come down in the beginning of this year, we figured that construction would start any day, and wouldn’t ya know it, the time has come.

View of site looking west on Pattison Ave., toward 11th St.

The first phase of the construction, according to an article from the Daily News and confirmed by our sources, will measure about 50K sqft., will contain several restaurants and the largest sports bar in the world. Comcast Spectacor expects the construction to be completed in time for Opening Day for the Phillies in April, 2012. No word yet on the timing for the rest of the complex; it will depend on the economy. Nevertheless, we’re looking forward to heading over there next April and watching the Phillies defend their World Series championship- while enjoying an adult beverage or two.