The Philadelphia 76ers have announced ambitious plans to construct a new arena in Center City, targeting the 2031-32 NBA season as a potential opening period. Mayor Cherelle Parker extended her official endorsement to the project on Wednesday, sparking a significant debate within the community. Before groundbreaking can commence, the proposal must secure approval from the city council—a task complicated by substantial public opposition.
Aside from city council hurdles, local resistance brings another layer of complexity to the project, particularly from residents who foresee the displacement of local communities, including the culturally rich Chinatown neighborhood. Voices of dissent are not isolated. Groups like the Save Chinatown Coalition and No Arena Washington Square West have vociferously condemned the plan.
Adding a prominent voice to the opposition is Jason Kelce, who draws from personal experience to underline the emotional and communal consequences of such relocations. Having grown up in Cleveland, Ohio, Kelce witnessed firsthand the relocation of the NFL's Browns to Baltimore, a move that left an indelible mark on his views regarding sports team relocations.
"I would prefer it stays in South Philly, unquestionably," said Kelce, reflecting a sentiment likely shared by many long-time fans of the 76ers. He elaborates further, highlighting the emotional investment fans have in their teams. "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's discontent isn't merely about the disruption to the fans. He points a finger squarely at Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (HBSE), the ownership group behind the 76ers, the NHL's New Jersey Devils, and the NFL's Washington Commanders. According to Kelce, this eclectic portfolio undermines the group's commitment to any single community. "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 asserts.
HBSE has acknowledged an alternative proposal from Camden, New Jersey, to build an arena there if the Philadelphia initiative fails. The current lease for the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia is set to expire in 2031, which adds a ticking-clock urgency to the situation. Despite this, a recent poll among registered voters in Philadelphia revealed a scant 18% in favor of the new Center City arena, underscoring the proposal's lack of public support.
In a cathartic reflection, Kelce admits the potential eventual benefits of a Center City arena but remains rooted in his present misgivings. "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 said.
As this contentious proposal moves forward, it remains to be seen if city council approval and public opinion will sway in favor of the new development. The debate encapsulates the broader friction between progress and preservation, showcasing the multidimensional impact sports franchises have on their local communities. For now, the 76ers and their fans remain in a state of anticipation, as the future home of the team hangs in the balance.