Where Adam Sandler’s Netflix movie ‘Hustle’ was filmed in Philly
We mapped out the places where Adam Sandler and crew filmed "Hustle" in Philadelphia.
When Adam Sandler came to town to film Netflix basketball drama Hustle in fall 2020, we knew Philadelphia would play a big part in the movie.
We were not disappointed.
Now available to stream, Hustle stars Sandler as Stanley Sugerman, a road-weary scout for the 76ers who misses his wife, Teresa (Queen Latifah), and daughter, Alex (Jordan Hull). On a scouting trip in Spain, he discovers Bo Cruz (Utah Jazz forward Juancho Hernangómez), a talented, rough-around-the-edges street baller with a troubled past who Stan thinks could be his way into an assistant coaching position.
The movie, directed by Philly native Jeremiah Zagar (son of artist Isaiah Zagar), is filled with local spots, NBA icons, and references. We first got a taste in February, when Netflix released a teaser Then, in May, we got an even closer look with Hustle’s official trailer.
Seeing the full film, it’s clear that Hustle is a very Philly movie. In fact, we counted more than 30 filming locations in the Philadelphia region that made the final cut — so many, and so widespread, that we couldn’t fit them all on one map.
Of course, that may have been obvious during filming. Crews were spotted all over Philly, from Center City to Manayunk and back to South Philly. They even made their way to locations like Coatesville and Camden, and the production held tryouts for extras at the 76ers Fieldhouse in Wilmington.
Hustle isn’t just very Philly — it’s actually, you know, good, with critics generally agreeing that while its premise — a scrappy underdog makes good on his quest to sports stardom (Rocky, anyone?) — is somewhat predictable, it’s still an emotionally engaging, polished flick.
But we’re more interested in how well it reps Philly.
So, here, we’ve rounded up every filming location we could identify in the movie, which are mapped out and listed below. Click around on the map to find out what spots show up in the film, and why the movie takes us there (be forewarned: It is a little spoiler-y).
Did we miss a location you spotted? Let us know.
On the map
Off the map
Like we said, some locations wouldn’t fit on the map, but are nonetheless important to the story. Those are:
Wells Fargo Center
Seeing as Hustle is a Sixers-focused flick, the team’s home arena appears often — and not just the court. We also get to see executive offices, meeting rooms, and even Stan’s tiny broom closet of an office once he gets a promotion.
» READ MORE: You know ‘that guy’ from nearly every Adam Sandler movie? He’s from Philly.
Esposito’s Meats
South Philly’s iconic Italian Market hosts Stan and Teresa on a date, showing them walking by the area of Ninth and Carpenter, and through the sidewalk in front of butcher shop staple Esposito’s Meats. In the distance, you can see the sign for Grassia’s Italian Market Spice Co.
Cresson Street and Green Lane
Stan kicks off Bo’s training with the lofty goal of running up this steep hill in one minute and 45 seconds — faster than the average pro cyclist can ride up it, as Stan says. In the background, you can see St. David’s Episcopal Church.
DuPont and Silverwood Streets
Think of this stair set like Hustle’s version of Rocky’s Art Museum steps. Once Bo beats Stan’s 1:45 time for the Green Lane hill, he runs up them triumphantly, he even does his own Rocky impression with a little shadow boxing.
Manayunk Bridge trail
Like the Schuylkill River Trail, the Manayunk Bridge trail is another frequent location during Bo’s intense training montage.
» READ MORE: How ‘Hustle’ director Jeremiah Zagar turned his Philly basketball film into an endearing bromance
76ers practice facility
We leave Philadelphia for a Camden-shot scene featuring the Sixers’ practice facility. Unfortunately, it is here that Stan learns he must go back on the road as a scout after a recent pick doesn’t work out — but it does lead to him meeting Bo.
Manor College
Here, Bo plays a quick game to show off his talents to the NBA, but does poorly after his rival, Kermit Wilts (played by the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards), gets in his head. After the game, Stan gives Bo an inspirational speech — and quits his job with the Sixers.
Coatesville Area Senior High School
This school’s gym is done up to look like a Philly gym that is home to the fictional Passyunk Cougars, and serves as the training ground for Bo to develop his technical skill on the court. Stan also launches Spanish insults at him here to toughen up his mental game.
La Salle University
Bo ultimately squeaks his way into the NBA Draft Combine, which is taking place in New York in the movie – but the court where they’re really playing is the Tom Gola Arena at La Salle University in Northwest Philly.
» READ MORE: A sports writer and culture writer debate ‘Hustle,’ Adam Sandler’s new Philly-based basketball movie
The full list
Wells Fargo Center
12th and Washington Streets
Broad and Dickinson Streets
Old Pine Street Church Graveyard
Butcher and Singer
76ers Practice Facility
» READ MORE: The best — and worst — Philly sports movies of all time
Garage Fishtown
“76ers: Beyond the Court” mural at Broad and Federal Streets
Wilt Chamberlain mural at 13th and Vine Streets
“Dr. J” mural at 1226 Ridge Ave.
Pat’s Steaks
The Italian Market
Fante’s Kitchen Shop
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
“Tree of Life” mural
Manor College
Cresson Street and Green Lane
Coatesville Area Senior High School
» READ MORE: Wait for them. Wait for them. ‘Hustle’s’ end credits are fiy-ah.
Stair set at DuPont and Silverwood Streets
Schuylkill River Trail
Manayunk Bridge trail
Academy at Palumbo
Capitolo Playground
10th and Washington Streets
Melrose Diner
Smith Playground
La Salle University
Girard College
Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar
» READ MORE: How ‘Hustle’ director Jeremiah Zagar turned his Philly basketball film into an endearing bromance