The Philadelphia 76ers have unveiled ambitious plans to construct a new arena in Center City, with an eye towards opening the venue by the 2031-32 NBA season. The proposal, officially endorsed by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, has sparked significant debate and must still pass through the city council for approval.
The controversy surrounding the new arena is fueled by strong opposition from the local community. Concerns are primarily centered on the potential displacement of residents, particularly in the culturally rich neighborhood of Chinatown. Various community groups, such as the Save Chinatown Coalition and No Arena Washington Square West, have been vocal in their condemnation of the plan.
The arena proposal has also drawn criticism from prominent sports figures. Jason Kelce, the Philadelphia Eagles' well-known center, has been particularly outspoken. Despite growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Kelce has expressed deep affinity for Philadelphia and its sports culture. Reflecting on his childhood experience of watching the NFL's Cleveland Browns relocate to Baltimore, Kelce is adamantly opposed to the 76ers moving out of their current home in South Philadelphia.
"I would prefer it stays in South Philly, unquestionably," Kelce stated emphatically.
Kelce's frustrations also extend to the ownership group behind the proposal, Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (HBSE), which owns not only the 76ers but also the NFL's Washington Commanders and the NHL's New Jersey Devils. Kelce took issue with what he perceives as strong-arm tactics by non-local owners.
"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 said. "I really have a hard time being OK with that. I'm not OK with it. I think it's wrong."
Kelce did not hold back in his critique of the ownership group. "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 remarked.
A recent poll conducted among registered voters in Philadelphia indicated tepid support for the new arena, with only 18% in favor of the Center City project. This data amplifies the already strong opposition and casts doubt on the project's feasibility without significant community and political negotiation.
As it stands, the 76ers are pursuing the new arena as an alternative to their current lease at Wells Fargo Center, which is set to expire in 2031. While they continue to push hard for the Center City location, HBSE has acknowledged considering an alternative proposal from Camden, New Jersey, as a contingency plan.
While Kelce expressed his disapproval, he also conceded the possibility that the new arena might eventually be well-received, despite the current controversy.
"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," Kelce said.
As the debate rages on, the fate of the proposed Center City arena remains uncertain. The ultimate decision will hinge on the ability of all parties involved to navigate the complex and emotionally charged concerns of the community, while balancing the vision and economic incentives tied to this significant urban development project. For now, the Philadelphia 76ers' bold move has set the stage for what promises to be a significant and impactful chapter in the city's sporting saga.