The Arena Arms Race Isn't Just Football
NFL stadiums get the most attention for renovations, but NBA and NHL arenas keep changing too. For 2025-26, the useful visitor updates include a recently opened arena settling into its second season, a Philadelphia rename and long-term replacement plan, and several renovation cycles. If you're planning a trip, these are the changes most likely to affect it.
Recently Opened Arena
Intuit Dome (NBA: Clippers), Inglewood, CA
The Clippers finally have their own building. Intuit Dome opened on August 15, 2024, so 2025-26 is its second NBA season rather than its debut. The arena centers the experience on a double-sided Halo Board, the supporter-only Wall section, and mobile or frictionless concession ordering.
- Capacity: 18,000
- Standout feature: The "Wall" section behind one basket. Standing room, no seats, designed to be loud
- Food: Fully app-based ordering. Some fans love it, some find it frustrating
- Visitor impact: Allow time to set up the venue app before arrival if you plan to use mobile ordering
Major Renovations
Crypto.com Arena (NBA/NHL: Lakers and Kings; former Clippers home), Los Angeles
With the Clippers gone to Intuit Dome, the arena has more scheduling flexibility and invested in upgrades. New premium seating sections, expanded concourse areas, and improved food options. The building feels less cramped now that it's hosting fewer events.
- What changed: New club sections, wider concourses, upgraded food vendors
- Impact: More space per event, better flow on the concourse
Xfinity Mobile Arena (NBA/NHL: 76ers, Flyers), Philadelphia
Philly's arena went through a significant renovation cycle and became Xfinity Mobile Arena on September 1, 2025. New seats throughout the lower bowl, expanded food hall areas, and better connectivity improve the current building. The downtown 76ers proposal is no longer the plan: the 76ers and Comcast Spectacor announced a joint South Philadelphia arena for the Sixers and Flyers, targeted for 2031.
- What changed: Lower bowl seating replaced, new food options, improved Wi-Fi
- Impact: Noticeably more comfortable lower bowl experience
Scotiabank Arena (NBA/NHL: Raptors, Maple Leafs), Toronto
Toronto's arena invested in premium spaces and technology. New club areas, expanded suites, and a completely rebuilt app experience for in-arena ordering and wayfinding. The building's Union Station connection remains one of the best transit setups in pro sports.
- What changed: New premium club spaces, rebuilt mobile app, upgraded Wi-Fi
- Impact: Better experience in premium sections. General admission mostly unchanged
Technology Upgrades Across Both Leagues
App-Based Everything
The trend that started in the NFL has fully reached NBA and NHL arenas. Most venues now support:
- Mobile ticketing (paper tickets are basically gone)
- In-seat food and drink ordering through the arena app
- Real-time wayfinding and wait-time estimates for concession stands
- Digital wallet payments only at many newer venues
The convenience is real, but some fans find it annoying to need a phone for everything. Most arenas still accept physical credit cards at concession stands even if they're "cashless."
Video Boards
The video board arms race continues. Bigger screens, higher resolution, and more creative uses of LED throughout the arena. Notable upgrades:
- Ball Arena in Denver installed a new center-hung scoreboard with 40% more screen area
- Bridgestone Arena in Nashville upgraded the ribbon boards around the arena
- TD Garden in Boston replaced the main video board with a higher-resolution display
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Arena Wi-Fi has been a joke for years, but the investments are finally paying off. Most NBA and NHL arenas now support Wi-Fi 6E or 7, which means mobile ordering and social media actually work during sold-out games. That wasn't true two years ago at a lot of venues.
Food Program Changes
Several arenas expanded or overhauled their food programs:
- Chase Center added more rotating local vendor spots
- Fiserv Forum expanded the Deer District outdoor food options
- FedExForum brought in more Memphis BBQ vendors
- T-Mobile Arena added a taco-focused food hall on the 200 level
The general trend: local over national. Arenas are figuring out that fans would rather eat food from a local restaurant than from Aramark. That's good news for everyone.
What This Means for Your Visit
Arena upgrades affect your wallet and your experience. Better apps mean less time in line. Local food partnerships mean better food. New seating options in the mid-tier premium range give you more choices between nosebleeds and luxury suites.
Before you buy tickets, check the arena's page on Visit Your Team. We update venue info as changes roll out through the season. Compare any two arenas with the Compare Teams tool, or check the cost rankings for NBA and NHL to plan around your budget.