Philly Mayor Gives the Green Light for Exciting New Sixers Arena Near Chinatown.
Mayor Parker’s endorsement aims to keep the Sixers in the city, but some residents are against the arena’s proposed location near Chinatown.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker is confident she made the right choice for the city’s residents by approving plans for a new arena in Center City, aiming to keep the Sixers in town.
“Philadelphia, I am proud,” Mayor Parker stated in a video from her City Hall office on Sept. 18. “This is a landmark agreement and the best financial deal ever made by a Philadelphia mayor for a local sports arena.”
As reported by CBS News, Parker held a town hall meeting a week before Wednesday’s announcement to discuss the $1.55 billion 76 Place project. The proposed arena would be located between Market, Filbert, 10th, and 11th Streets, replacing part of Fashion District Philadelphia and featuring a 395-unit high-rise next to the arena. The mayor highlighted that the agreement would bring over $1.3 billion in private investment to the city.
“We appreciate Mayor Parker and her team’s time and careful review of our proposal, and we look forward to moving forward with City Council,” the Sixers said in a statement.
This endorsement follows New Jersey’s offer for the Sixers to build the arena on Camden’s waterfront near the Ben Franklin Bridge, but Mayor Parker remains focused on keeping the team in Philadelphia. However, the proposed 76 Place arena near Chinatown has stirred controversy since its introduction in 2022. Before Parker’s town hall meeting last week, protesters gathered to oppose the project, with concerns about displacement and the impact on small businesses. According to CBS News, Councilmember Mark Squilla stated that public feedback and possible amendments will be considered before a final decision is made.
The proposal requires final approval from City Council, and Mayor Parker announced she will deliver a formal presentation soon. The Sixers aim to have the new arena ready by the 2031-32 NBA season. Until then, the team will continue playing at the Wells Fargo Center.
