Xfinity Live! to open in time for Springsteen

The Xfinity Live! entertainment complex, rising on the site of the old Spectrum, is on target to open a week early - in time for the Bruce Springsteen concerts in late March.

The Boss is scheduled to perform with the E Street Band on March 28 and 29 at the Wells Fargo Center - next door to what Comcast-Spectacor hopes will become a popular destination to dine, view sports and attend performances.

Xfinity Live! expects to soon name a "national recording act" to be part of the official grand opening celebration on March 30.

April 5 was previous launch date for the joint venture of Philly-based Comcast-Spectacor and the Cordish Companies, based in Baltimore.

At the center of the project will be Philly MarketPlace, with such familiar eateries as Old Original Nick's Roast Beef, Chickie's & Pete's, and Original Philadelphia Cheesesteak Co., as well as a VIP lounge, a raw bar and lots of screens for television sports.

The NBC Sports Arena sounds a bit like a movie theater, with sports on a 32-foot giant high-def TV screen. But other high-tech displays will also keep fans informed.

It will "rival any live sports experience in the world, making for a true fourth stadium experience at the Philadelphia Sports Complex," Comcast-Spectacor boasts.

Four other dining spots are planned.

The Spectrum Grill will offer a more upscale menu, with steaks and seafood, and nightly cocktail parties.

Victory Beer Hall will have a stage for entertainment and a patio with a fire pit.

The Broad Street Bullies Pub, with tavern grub and four dozen brews on tap, will showcase Flyers memorabilia from the 1970s and often feature bands.

PBR Bar & Grill will have Tex-Mex food by day, then go "country and southern rock party at night."

Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.