With NBA lockout, open dates at Wells Fargo Center

ALL OF A SUDDEN, the Wells Fargo Center has become an available venue.

With the NBA canceling the first 2 weeks of the regular season over the lack of a collective bargaining agreement, with possibly more to follow, there will be some free time between Flyers home games and concerts there.

Yesterday, Comcast-Spectacor president and chief operating officer Peter Luukko outlined what the building's future may hold.

"We remain optimistic that we will have an NBA season," Luukko said in a statement. "As far as filling the dates from the cancellation of these first [three] games, there are other factors that go into filling dates. For example, are there shows on the road that have available dates? Shows usually schedule their dates and their tours months in advance and every show that's on the road already plays our facility.

"With over 250 annual events, the Wells Fargo Center is one of the busiest arenas in the country. We have nearly 500 part-time employees working these events. If there should be a complete loss of a season, we're looking at missing 41 very important dates. At the same time we will still have over 200-plus events creating plenty of opportunities for our part-time staff. Should a full season be lost, we will possibly be able to recoup a couple of those dates, but we are optimistic that a season will be played and we won't have to be in a situation where we lose a full season."

The Sixers were slated to open the season Nov. 2 in Toronto and host Minnesota on Nov. 4.