Could the Philadelphia 76ers leave the Wells Fargo Center in South Philly for shinier digs downtown?
76ers’ ownership embarked on a years-long process to build a new arena in Center City for the Sixers, replacing the underused Fashion District mall.
Here’s what the new arena would look like and where the project stands today.
Sixers want to build new arena near Chinatown
The new Arena, tentatively called 76 Place and coming with an estimated $1.55 billion price tag, would occupy the city square which boarders Market, Cuthbert, 10th and 11th streets.
76 Place would have 18,500 seats for games, and possibly more for concerts and other events.
Who is paying for the Sixers new arena?
The 76 Place ownership group pledged to not use any taxpayer funds to build the new arena.
“76 Place can be built using private funding facilitated by the ownership team of the 76ers, led by Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and David Adelman,” rad a portion of a 76 Place FAQ. “The project is not using any City taxpayer money and will generate more than $1B in new tax revenues for the City, State and School District of Philadelphia.”
Who is opposing 76 Place?
The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation is but one organization opposing 76 Place, and its website features link to documents the PCDC believes shows that 76 Place is a bad idea for Center City.
The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation conducted a survey it says shows there is deep opposition to any new arena in Center City.
“The results of the survey are as follows: 93% of business-owners, 94% of residents, and 95% of visitors oppose the arena,” read a portion of a press release from the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation. “The top concerns regarding the proposed arena include the deterioration of Chinatown culture, parking and traffic congestion, as well as increasing rent and displacement.”
When would 76 Place be built?
In a separate press release, the National Basketball Association noted 76 Place could be built by 2031, but growing opposition and costs may extend that timetable and delay construction, if the project is approved.
Published reports indicate that Philadelphia city Council members have voiced concerned over the lack of local oversight of federal and state funds earmarked for 76 Place.
Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.
This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: The latest on Philadelphia 76ers’ attempt to build Center City arena
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