The Philadelphia 76ers have unveiled an ambitious plan to construct a new arena in Center City, with hopes of it being operational by the 2031-32 NBA season. This proposal has stirred significant controversy within the community and garnered robust opposition.
Endorsement has come from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, who officially threw her support behind the project on Wednesday. Despite this, the plan still requires approval from the city council, an outcome not assured given the strong backlash from various community factions.
Community Concerns
Central to the opposition are concerns about the potential displacement of local residents, particularly those in the Chinatown neighborhood. Groups like the Save Chinatown Coalition and No Arena Washington Square West have voiced strong condemnation of the proposal, reflecting a sentiment prominently held within the community.
A recent poll among registered voters in Philadelphia revealed a mere 18% support for the new arena in Center City, a figure indicative of the widespread resistance to the project. Amidst these concerns, the project appears to be facing an uphill battle.
Jason Kelce's Opposition
Philadelphia Eagles' beloved center Jason Kelce has emerged as a vocal critic of the relocation plans. Kelce, who grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, witnessed firsthand the relocation of the NFL's Browns to Baltimore, an event that significantly influenced his perspective on such moves.
"I would prefer it stays in South Philly, unquestionably," stated Kelce. His impassioned arguments highlight the disconnect between the ownership group's ambitions and the desires of the local fanbase. "All of these people have devoted all of their time, all of their efforts, all of their money and a lifetime of fandom toward this team, and now you're going to strong-arm people against what the city wants," he added, expressing deep discontent with the proposal.
Kelce's critique extends further, questioning the affiliations of the ownership group. Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (HBSE), the organization behind the new arena proposal, owns the 76ers, NFL's Washington Commanders, and NHL's New Jersey Devils. "The ownership group isn't Philadelphian!" Kelce exclaimed. "It'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."
Future Prospects
The urgency behind the 76ers' push for a new arena stems from the impending expiration of their current lease at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia in 2031. While they are making significant efforts to realize the Center City arena, HBSE has acknowledged an alternative proposal from Camden, New Jersey, signaling their intent to explore other locations should the Philadelphia plan fall through.
Interestingly, despite his opposition, Kelce conceded that the new arena might eventually be embraced by the community. "I'll say this, when it does get built in Center City and all of these people are displaced, at the end of the day people are probably going to love it. In 10 years, all of this is gonna be different, and we're probably going to be really happy that there's this beautiful complex that was developed down there in a thriving part of the city. Right now, I really hate it," he noted, capturing the complex and often contradictory nature of city development projects.
As the debate over the new 76ers arena continues, it mirrors larger discussions about urban development, community displacement, and the balance between economic ambitions and social responsibility. The coming months will reveal whether the project can navigate these turbulent waters to eventually come to fruition in Center City.