The Philadelphia 76ers’ proposed plan to build a new downtown stadium took a major step forward Thursday morning. The Philadelphia City Council voted to approve bills that would allow the team to build a new $1.3 billion facility scheduled to open in 2031.
The group of bills passed 12 to 4 in the council and needs to pass a second vote next week to be finalized. Opponents in the arena could be heard shouting, “They’re all sold out!” since the vote took place on Thursday morning. Philadelphia’s Chinatown and Washington Square West neighborhoods, which border the proposed arena site at 11th and Market streets, have openly opposed the project as it was first introduced. in July 2022. A city-wide survey Earlier this year it showed that only 18% of Philadelphia residents supported the project.
Mayor Cherelle Parker and local unions have backed the project. Political director of the electricians union IBEW Local 98 TJ Lepera said: “the council knows what is best for the city” after Thursday’s vote.
Part of the agreement voted on Thursday is for the Sixers to contribute $60 million to community benefits agreement more than 30 years. The City Council pushed for a collective bargaining agreement close to $100 million this week, and groups like the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation wanted the collective bargaining agreement to be $163 million. But city council leadership relented in negotiations with the team before Thursday’s vote and stuck with the $60 million figure.
Council members Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O’Rourke, who proposed that the Sixers contribute $300 million to the collective bargaining agreement, called the legislation a “sell-out deal.”
“City Council proposed a robust $100 million Community Benefits Agreement with extensive anti-displacement measures created with input from community leaders.” they wrote in a statement. “It’s deplorable to know that the 76ers and their billionaire owners think our communities are worth only $60 million over 30 years. They recently gave a single athlete $193 million over 3 years.”
Residents and small business owners in Chinatown and surrounding neighborhoods have expressed concerns about being pushed out of the area due to rising costs, potential gridlock caused by traffic and the ability of emergency vehicles to reach a Major hospital nearby during game nights.
The 76ers are owned by Josh Harris’ Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment group (which also owns the NFL’s Washington Commanders and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils) and currently share the Wells Fargo Center with the NHL’s Flyers. Comcast Spectacor, the owner of the Flyers, operates the Wells Fargo Center. Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment also supports the newly founded real estate development company. seregwhat plans “develop mixed-use properties near sports venues.”
Earlier this year, retired NFL star Jason Kelce, who spent all of his 13 years in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, publicly expressed his displeasure with the potential move.
“I would prefer him to stay in South Philly, without a doubt.” Kelce said in September. “I will say this: When Center City is built and all these people are displaced, at the end of the day people will probably love it. In 10 years, this will all be different, and we will probably be very happy that there is this beautiful complex that is being built.” developed there in an affluent part of town. Right now, I really hate it.
“…The ownership group is not from Philadelphia!” Kelce continued. “He’s got a New Jersey Devils team, a Philadelphia team, and now a Washington team! Now they’re forcing the city to do what this guy wants, and it sucks.”
The 76ers also publicly flirted with the idea of crossing the Delaware River to build a possible new stadium in Camden, New Jersey, and called on New Jersey lawmakers. trying to lure the team with $400 million in tax breaks. The team has said it will not accept city tax dollars for its proposal in Center City, and unless there is a big change between now and next week, it appears the Sixers will get the green light for their new arena.
