The Philadelphia sports landscape is bracing for a major shift as the Philadelphia 76ers have unveiled ambitious plans to construct a new arena in Center City. This proposal, which aims to be realized by the 2031-32 NBA season, received official endorsement from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker on Wednesday. However, the project must still navigate the hurdle of gaining city council approval.
Community Response and Concerns
Despite the ambitious plans, the proposal has faced significant opposition within the community. Concerns are rife about the potential displacement of local residents, particularly those in Chinatown. Among the vocal opponents is NFL star Jason Kelce, who has openly criticized the relocation plans. Kelce, who grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, has a personal connection to the issue. He witnessed the NFL's Browns relocate to Baltimore, an experience that fuels his disapproval of the 76ers' plan to move.
"I would prefer it stays in South Philly, unquestionably," Kelce stated. His opposition is further underscored by his empathy for the fans, saying, "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 doesn’t mince words when describing his feelings about the ownership group's intentions. "I really have a hard time being OK with that. I'm not OK with it. I think it's wrong," he said. "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."
Public Sentiment
Kelce's sentiments echo the general feeling in Philadelphia. A recent poll of registered voters revealed a mere 18% support for the new Center City arena. Groups such as the Save Chinatown Coalition and No Arena Washington Square West have also condemned the plan, citing the disruption it would cause to the local community.
Backup Plans
Interestingly, the ownership group, Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (HBSE), which owns the 76ers, NFL's Washington Commanders, and NHL's New Jersey Devils, has acknowledged an alternative proposal. If the deal in Philadelphia falls through, they have a backup plan to build an arena in Camden, New Jersey.
The urgency behind these plans is partially driven by the expiration of the current lease for the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia, which is set to lapse in 2031. As the clock ticks, the 76ers have been pushing hard for the new arena in Center City, despite the overwhelming pushback.
Reluctant Optimism
While Kelce remains a vocal critic, he isn’t entirely pessimistic about the potential outcome down the road. "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," Kelce conceded. "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."
As the city council deliberates on whether to greenlight this project, the narrative of progress versus preservation continues to unfold. The debate encapsulates both the dreams of a revitalized downtown and the fears of those who cherish the fabric of their community. Whether the 76ers will play in a gleaming new arena in Center City or another location remains a hot topic in Philadelphia, affecting not just sports fans but the city’s identity as a whole.