Friday, July 25, 2024

Wells Fargo Center to be renamed, Villanova owns Carbini, Best of Delco, and your weekend event lineup

July 26, 2024

Good morning, Delaware County. This is Hey Delco, the Nick Foles of local news. Everyone likes Nick Foles.

Here’s what we got in today’s newsletter:

  • The Wells Fargo Center is no more 🏟️

  • Villanova closes deal to purchase Carbini 🎓

  • Time to vote for Delco’s best 🏆

  • Your weekend lineup of events and music 🎶

  • And much more…

Let’s get to it.

— Clint & Jennifer Losch

THE BIG STORY

Wells Fargo Center Bids Adieu: Let the Naming Shenanigans Begin!

Big news in the world of Philly sports: the Wells Fargo Center is getting a name change! Once known as the CoreStates Center, First Union Center (who can forget the FU Center), and Wachovia Center, the soon-to-be-former Wells Fargo Center is on the hunt for a new name.

After holding the naming rights for nearly 29 years, Wells Fargo has decided to part ways with the iconic arena.

Philly fans are already having a blast speculating on the new name. Some of the funniest suggestions floating around include "Wawa Center" and "Club Risqué Arena" (might as well lean into the absurd).

The hope is that a new name might just break the arena’s championship drought​ since the Sixers and Flyers have won a grand total of 0 championships since this arena opened in 1996.

So, get ready for some major rebranding. Whether it’s "The Not-Boston Garden" or something even more creative, we’re in for some fun times ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates as the naming saga continues!

THE DIGEST

How Much Did Villanova Pay For Cabrini?!

Villanova University has officially closed the deal to acquire Cabrini University's 112-acre campus in Radnor, a transaction that’s been in the works since November 2023.

Cabrini, struggling financially for over a decade, decided to sell the campus and shut down operations after the 2023-24 academic year.

The purchase price? $12 million! That’s it?

Homes in Villanova have higher price tags than the entire Cabrini campus., as seen here…

(Any mortgage brokers here that can help me out with a 200 year mortgage and no money down)?

Granted, Villanova University is sinking in an additional $45M+ to cover debt and renovations. But still.

With the deal finalized, Villanova stated they will honor Cabrini's legacy by maintaining the campus’s current functionality and preserving its mission. Stay tuned for how Villanova plans to integrate this new addition into its school community.

Liverpool vs. Arsenal in Philadelphia: A Premier League Showdown

Ok this is a pretty big deal since the Premier League is the TOP SOCCER LEAGUE in the world.

On July 31, Lincoln Financial Field will host a Premier League clash between Liverpool and Arsenal at 7:30 PM ET. This match is part of the "Rivals in Red" USA 2024 Tour.

This event is unique because it's the first time Liverpool and Arsenal will face off on U.S. soil since 2018, adding an extra layer of excitement for American fans.

Both teams are in the midst of a highly competitive Premier League season, making this friendly a must-see for soccer enthusiasts​

So grab your tickets for this historic match and join in the excitement as these two soccer giants bring a taste of the Premier League to Philadelphia.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Best of Delco 2024: Vote for Your Faves Before July 30

Time’s almost up to make your voice heard! The Best of Delco 2024 voting ends on July 30. This is your chance to support your favorite Delco businesses. From hoagies and hotdogs to your favorite gym and landscaper, there are so many categories to choose from.

Our local business owners need your help. These small businesses are the heart of our community, and they thrive on our support. Your vote can help level the playing field for Delco businesses against the big guys.

Voting started on July 9, so if you haven't voted yet, get in there and make sure your favorites get the love they deserve!

Two Delco Restaurants Make Best of Philly Top 50

In Wednesday’s edition of Hey Delco, we shared how Delco businesses cleaned up at the Best of the Main Line awards.

Now, Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly Top 50 list has spotlighted two more Delaware County gems. Ridley Park's Rosemary has been crowned Best New Restaurant in the Suburbs, praised for its handmade pastas, brunches, and enticing dishes like baked oysters and scallops in celery root puree.

Over in Radnor, Wild Yeast Bakehouse snagged the title for Best Sourdough Bread, lauded for its perfect crust and tangy interior.

Rosemary is located at 25 East Hinkley Ave, Ridley Park, and you catch Wild Yeast at Media’s farmer’s market or through their bread share subscription service!

$50K Grants Up For Grabs For Business Owners To Help Beautify Chester

Attention Chester business owners! The city is offering up to $50,000 to spruce up your storefronts along Avenue of the States.

This Facade Enhancement Initiative (FEI) aims to revamp the central business district, making it as appealing as the budding arts scene.

With funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, the program prioritizes minority- and women-owned businesses. Mayor Stefan Roots is fulfilling his promise for a rejuvenated downtown. Applications close July 31.

Delco’s Purchasing Power: Keeping Up with the Joneses

Curious if your dollars are stretching as far as your neighbor’s? SmartAsset recently conducted an analysis using their Cost of Living Calculator, and they found that Delco ranks sixth in Pennsylvania for purchasing power.

According to the study, with a median income of $86,390, Delco residents can comfortably cover the cost of living. You'll need about $59,488 to keep up.

But let’s be real for a second, no matter what the data says, I think we have to admit that going grocery shopping and then filling up the gas tank stings a bit more these days.

As a note, our neighbors in Chester, Bucks, and Montgomery County were ranked higher than us, sporting fatter wallets on average.

While they might be splurging on extra guac, we’re still comfortably in the top 10.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

@HEYDELCO

Great Times @ Dining Under the Stars on Wednesday

📸 @heydelco | 📍Media

Tag @HeyDelco to get your photos in the newsletter!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

It's Christmas in July, Delco! Unwrap a weekend full of events, from festive markets to summer concerts. Here’s what’s on the docket.

Note: We tried to find every event happening this week. If we missed something. Yell at us in an email. Just
hit reply and let us know about upcoming events that you want to see featured. Events with links require paid entry.

Advanced Event Registrations

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

  • Storytime @ Barnes and Noble | Broomall | 11 AM

  • Folcroft Swim Club Day Pass | Folcroft | 40 passes only - First come, first serve

  • Tired Hands Summer Beer Park | Newtown Square | 12-9 PM

  • Karaoke Night @ The Fainting Goat | Glenolden | 8:30 PM

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Hear that?👂 It’s the sound of musicians warming up all around Delco. There are plenty of music events happening this weekend, so let’s get into it:

Also, tickets went on sale this week for the Screaming Orphans. They are a chart-topping all-sister Celtic folk and pop band from Donegal. They will be at the Kelly Center in Havertown on September 8. Seating is very limited and tickets will not last long.

Friday 

  • Not Tuna @ 118 North | Wayne | 4 PM

  • The Out of Cash Band @ Tom N Jerry’s | Folsom | 5 PM

  • Live Music w/ Joe Sheeran @ O’Connell’s Tavern | Springfield | 5-9 PM

  • Acoustic at the Main Bar @ Barnaby’s West Chester | West Chester | 5-8 PM

  • Vince Zeller @ Tavola | Springfield | 6-10 PM

  • Von Roz @ State Street Pub | Media | 6 PM

  • Paul Messick @ Off the Rail | Media | 6-9 PM

  • Lisa Chavous @ Ashley’s Restaurant & Bar | Glen Mills | 6-9 PM

  • Adam Monaco @ Laporta Restaurant | Media | 6:30 PM

  • Live Music @ Gridiron Pub | Upper Chichester | TBD

  • Delco Billy Band @ the Yard Pub | Havertown | 7-11 PM

  • Matt Santry Band @ Rose Tree Park | Media | 7:30 PM

  • The Wankers @ 118 North | Wayne | 9 PM

  • Joe Devlin @ Tom N Jerry’s | Folsom | 9 PM

  • Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen | Lansdowne | 8-10 PM

  • DJ Moon @ J.T. Brewskis | Primos | 9:30 PM–1 AM

Saturday

Sunday

  • Side Hustle @ Ashley’s Restaurant & Bar | Glen Mills | 2-5 PM

  • First Impression Band Tom N Jerry’s | Folsom | 3:30 PM

  • Paddy O’Furniture @ J.T. Brewskis | Primos | 4-7 PM

  • Acoustic on the Deck @ Barnaby’s Aston | Aston | 4-8 PM

  • Mike Barclay @ Tavola | Springfield | 5-9 PM

  • Rob Carroll @ Laporta Restaurant | Media | 5 PM

  • Acoustic w/ Vinny @ Barnaby’s West Chester | West Chester | 10 PM-2 AM

  • Dan Montgomery w/ Del Pez & Friends @ 118 North | Wayne | 7:30 PM

SPORTS

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies (64-38)

Upcoming Schedule:

7/26: Guardians 6:40 PM
7/27: Guardians 6:05 PM
7/28: Guardians 1:35 PM

Previous Results

7/24: Phillies 4 Twins 5

Local Sports Highlights

Ridley 10u baseball is headed to the state championships after a 3-0 victory over Hollidaysburg

WEATHER

Friday

84🌡️ 66| ⛅ | 1% | 💨 N 9 mph

Saturday

87 🌡️ 66 | 🌤️ | 2% | 💨 NNE 6 mph

Sunday

89 🌡️ 70 | 🌤️ | 3% | 💨 N 6 mph

THANKS!

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