In a move stirring significant contention within the Philadelphia community, the Philadelphia 76ers have announced plans to construct a new arena in Center City. The proposed arena is aimed to be completed in time for the 2031-32 NBA season, pending approval from the city council and the resolution of mounting opposition.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has officially endorsed the project, aligning with the vision presented by the ownership group, Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (HBSE), which also oversees the NFL's Washington Commanders and the NHL's New Jersey Devils. However, the grand vision faces a looming wall of resistance, as community concerns about the displacement of residents, particularly in Chinatown, amplify by the day.
Community Concerns
Among the loudest voices against the relocation is NFL player Jason Kelce, who despite his Cleveland roots and memories of the Browns' controversial move to Baltimore, has established a strong connection with Philadelphia's sporting scene. “I would prefer it stays in South Philly, unquestionably,” Kelce stated, expressing his disapproval of moving the 76ers away from their long-standing home at the Wells Fargo Center, where their lease is set to expire in 2031.
Kelce’s opposition reflects a sentiment shared by many residents and local organizations. A recent poll showed that only 18% of registered voters in Philadelphia support the new Center City arena. The Save Chinatown Coalition and No Arena Washington Square West are at the forefront of the protest, fearing the development will overhaul their community fabric irreparably.
"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," Kelce remarked. His words capture the emotional investment of the fans, who feel blindsided by the abrupt scale of the proposed changes.
HBSE’s Response
In response to the backlash, HBSE has also signaled awareness of alternative solutions, including a proposal from Camden, New Jersey. Should the deal in Philadelphia falter, they are prepared to shift their construction endeavors across the river. This strategic pivot outlines HBSE’s resolve in finding a new home for the 76ers, regardless of the significant pushback in Philadelphia.
For many, Jason Kelce’s critique extends beyond mere logistics, touching on broader themes of loyalty and community identity. "The ownership group isn't Philadelphian! 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," he noted, emphasizing the fracture many fans feel between the team’s management and their connection to the city.
Potential Upsides & Long-Term Impact
Despite his reservations, Kelce acknowledged potential future benefits of a new arena. "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." Yet, he concluded on a note of personal disapproval, "Right now, I really hate it."
The challenge moving forward lies in bridging these profoundly differing viewpoints. For HBSE and the city’s leadership, balancing economic development with the invaluable sense of community will be a delicate task. As the debate continues, the future of Philadelphia's beloved 76ers hangs in a balance that will be shaped by both legal and local sentiment, capturing the attention and emotions of the city's sports fans and residents alike.