Sixers' $1.3B Arena Gets Official Thumbs-Up From Philly City Council
The Philadelphia 76ers officially have city council’s blessing to build a new arena on East Market Street.
The final decision on the package of bills came in a series of votes on Thursday morning, clearing the way for the $1.3B project dubbed 76 Place that is set to replace part of the Fashion District mall on 10th and Filbert streets.
Several dozen protesters briefly delayed the proceeding by forming a human chain in front of Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s desk. Police pulled some of the demonstrators out of the room one-by-one before the meeting began more than 30 minutes late.
The packed hearing, punctuated by cheers and jeers, completed a yearslong search process for the Sixers and months of intense negotiations between the team, city lawmakers and community stakeholders.
The Sixers were eager to have the project approved by the end of this year so demolition can begin in 2026. Their lease at the Wells Fargo Center expires in 2031.
Twelve of the 17 council members voted in favor of all 11 bills in question. Those ranks included Johnson and Council Member Mark Squilla, who represents the district where the arena will be located.
Council Members Nicholas O'Rourke, Jamie Gauthier, Jeffery Young Jr., Rue Landau and Kendra Brooks voted against most of the legislation. Landau and Gauthier switched sides to vote in favor of one bill that would create a zoning overlay meant to preserve Chinatown.
After the long, often contentious process, Sixers owner David Adelman said he was excited about the development.
“Today’s City Council vote is a critical milestone in the development of 76Place at Market East and we would not be here without the tireless efforts of so many,” he said in a statement provided to Bisnow.
“The leadership that Council and the Mayor have displayed embodies a greater vision for Philadelphia. They recognize how important this project is for the revitalization of our city.”
He also thanked the project's supporters.
“Although a lot of work has been done to get here, we know there is much more to do,” Adelman said. “We look forward to pursuing the remaining approvals to make 76Place a reality.”
One of those supporters was among the speakers during a public comment session before the vote. Pastor Carl Day said the jobs the arena is projected to bring could help stem violence in Philly after 24 people were shot this past weekend.
“These young men need opportunities,” he said. “We cannot deprive them.”
Yet a broad array of activists opposed the project due to concerns about gentrification in nearby Chinatown, increased traffic in Center City and the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s ability to pay for additional service.
Save Chinatown Coalition member Mary Yee was particularly concerned about the traffic ahead of Thursday's vote.
“If more than 40% of people drive, there will be gridlock in Center City,” she said.
The council’s final decision came after a 12-4 Committee of the Whole vote last week. It was seen as a clear indicator of what would happen on Thursday since the committee includes every member of the full body.
Johnson tried to secure a $100M community benefits agreement earlier this month, but the final deal only included $60M for construction mitigation efforts and other citywide initiatives.
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment purchased the Sixers from Comcast Spectacor in 2011.
The media conglomerate still owns the Wells Fargo Center. HBSE previously proposed building a new arena at Penn’s Landing in Center City, but the plan didn't move forward.
