Mann Center in Philadelphia breaks ground on renovation project, gets new name
Philadelphia’s premier outdoor music destination is making big changes ahead of its 50-year anniversary.
On Wednesday, October 16, The Mann Center broke ground on a $70 million renovation project that includes a completely reimagined entry plaza and visitor experience.
Along with the groundbreaking, a new sponsorship deal with the Highmark Insurance Company was announced and the venue will now be known as “Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts.”
“This is a transformational moment in our history,” said Catherine M. Cahill, president and CEO of Highmark Mann. “For the first time since this venue was constructed in 1976, we are building anew to create magical spaces and experiences for patrons and the community, and that is thanks to the generosity of so many. We are incredibly grateful for Highmark’s leadership and wholehearted belief in our mission; with their partnership and long-term commitment, we are reimagining together how we can serve the future of our city. That’s good for our audiences, artists, and our communities. Today is the beginning of a bold new chapter as Highmark Mann, extending beautifully the legacy that our original namesake and fearless leader, Fredric R. Mann, established 50 years ago.”
Officials said once the Mann Center opens its 2026 season in the spring, the new entry plaza will be three times the size of the current main gate, and the plaza will welcome guests with:
• A grand, main entry canope
• A Welcome Center with the first-ever enclosed, public spaces, including a Music Hall of Fame with archival objects and an interactive jukebox for guests to explore Mann history and the music of the artists who have performed at the venue over its 50 years, as well as the Encore Gift Shop.
• The Satell Centennial Wall East, a 4,200 square foot dynamic, light-and-sound digital wall that will display vivid installations and historical and cultural video productions on the exterior of the TD Pavilion.
• Interactive digital installations and wayfinding enhancements
• New ticket office, now accessible from inside and outside of Highmark Mann gates
• ADA accessibility enhancements
• Additional restrooms
• Expanded concessions and patron amenities, including a new permanent outdoor bar and seating area
• Stormwater management and green infrastructure
“We believe in the connection between art, music, and health, and that equitable access to creative opportunities in the arts can contribute to community well-being in profound ways,” said Dan Tropeano, market president, Highmark Blue Shield in southeastern Pennsylvania. “As one of Philadelphia’s cultural treasures, the Mann has a long, successful history of community involvement and arts education that changes lives, and we couldn’t be prouder to now play a larger part in that story. Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts stands for a shared commitment to world-class entertainment and community and social impact.”
Officials said the 2026 season will also include “original commissions and signature programming highlighting the history made on or near the venue in 1876, 1976 and, soon, 2026.”
For more information, visit www.highmark.com.
