2300 Arena

Amazed what they’ve done with this place, and even more amazed at the future plans for it.
This is definitely a religious shrine for wrestling fans. Had a blast during the day for an autograph /​meet and greet event, and then they tore the house down with the matches that night.
Already planning the next trip back.

You gotta go. You’ll never get to experience ECW or the Arena itself in it’s original form. But, there’s nothing wrong with big, clean bathrooms, good lighting and a more space … I guess.
Try Chikara to start, if you don’t have another wrestling promotion on your radar.

This place is legendary & is a staple to the wrestling days of the 1990’s. This place was formerly known as Viking Hall but it was most famous as The ECW Arena. It is located in South Philadelphia & is under Interstate 95. The recent name of 2300 Arena is named after the buildings address. It was originally a freight warehouse in the 1970’s & then when it was bought in the 1980’s it became a venue for wrestling & other sorts of entertainment in the early 1990’s.
When ECW started doing shows here this venue & the promotion grew a big following. I have never seen a crowd more into the matches & more times than not the wrestlers & the match would end up in the crowd.
The ECW promotion at one point started offering season passes to their events which was really cool. When ECW closed in 2001 this venue started hosting independent wrestling promotions & MMA events. They still host events such as those now but the ECW events were by far the biggest. I have not been here recently but the venue has undergone extensive remodeling.
Overall the history of this place makes it interesting & I would definitely come watch an event here if I was in the area.

I was only here once with a friend that’s a huge fan of independent wrestling. Not being a a huge wrestling fan, I was impressed. It’s a dingy old warehouse in a not so great area, but as long as you’re with a group of people, you won’t notice.
As for the venue itself, it’s got a lot of history. Old banners from the ECW days. We paid $ 15 for second row seats. It was good that we got to sit so close, but if you’re not into being involved in the even, I recommend sitting back a few rows. At the end of the ROH event we attended, there were two wrestlers who literally ended up in our row.
It’s a fun place if that’s what you’re into. I suggest eating beforehand and don’t bother with the beer-it’s not very good and there’s no selection of food or drinks.

I used to go to a lot of MMA, boxing and pro wrestling shows here a few years ago but now due to my lack of interest and quality of product I don’t really get out here too much. Its probably one of the most prestigious sports venues ever in my opinion. So much history at «The Arena» Yes its known as THEE Arena to regulars According to Wikipedia this place has had seven name changes. The place probably has a 1400 person capacity but with that many people its not comfortable but insured a loud vocal awesome crowd. They never get those numbers anymore though. Probably lucky to have 200 – 300 there these days. The place is filled with annoying local kids and white trash but if you go with friends and are interested in the event you will have a great time. Lots of parking outside, its right down the block from Tony Lukes. I recommend seeing a show once here but nothing over $ 20. Cheers to the Arena and all its great memories.

Went here for two wrestling shows on 12÷11÷10. It was amazing. Its a nice small intimate venue with no bad seats in the house. Also they offer plenty of free parking.

OK let me preface this review by saying that I was here for my brother, it was what he wanted to do for his birthday, I do not spend my Saturdays frequenting wrestling matches. With that said, I may now be a fan, and not in the ironic hipster sense like one of my friends asked, in the «I found my inner nerd» sense.
I got a little history lesson from my brother and apparently this arena used to be the old ECW arena, and some of the wrestlers we saw were former ECW guys. It was run down and kind of dumpy but set up just like I imagined it would be. Picture the ring in the middle with metal folding chairs surrounding it, just like in the movie The Wrestler. For $ 15 we sat in the second row and were able to high five the wrestlers’ sweaty hands as they passed by. It was exciting and funny and awesome in general.
Now here are the downsides: 1. The location is seriously sketchy, I would never go there without a group of guys. 2. The people that attend these events are downright creepy. I know what you’re thinking, «duh you’re at a wrestling match,» but what my bro told me was if the arena isn’t filled by the time the show starts they will let people in off the streets for free. The shows are taped because they actually go on tv, so they want it to look like there was a good turnout. 3. Lastly, it’s really cool to see some of the flips off a rope and pile-​drivers and close-​lines, but sometimes when you’re that close you see the really, really fake stuff and the mess ups, and the blood. And if you’re unlucky enough, you’ll get sweat and spittle on you.
Overall, a smashing good time. The next show will be on my birthday in May and I know my brother is already planning to take me there. Woohoo!

As a diehard wrestling fan for over 20 years, this is truly a Mecca for pro wrestling in Philadelphia. ever since 94 when ECW opened. And ECW left an impression that would forever make this building the place to be for independent pro wrestling events in the Philadelphia area.
Was at a few ECW arena shows, and I gotta admit I wish I had went to more than I did in the day. The people were mostly passionate diehard wrestling fans with a little bit of trash mixed in (you’ll find them anywhere not much you can do).
Some crazy things have happened in this place. It might be in a run down area and all that stuff. But if your looking for a building to watch a wrestling show there is nothing more intimate or beautiful than going to a place that should fit 1000 people at most crammed into 3000 people like they had in the ECW heyday. Still many cool indy feds run here all the time. CZW (Shouldn’t take your kid here. For those who enjoy blood and violence), ROH (For those who enjoy pure technical pro wrestling), and Chikara (Great for the kids, Lucha Libre orientated, high flying.).