A plan to build a new $1.3 billion arena in Center City Philadelphia has been abandoned, but its replacement will take place in South Philadelphia.
The team behind the project had worked out a new deal with Comcast Spectacor and backpedaled on the original plan that would have brought an arena to the intersection of Market and Filbert streets at 10th and 11th streets. Instead, they planned to demolish the Wells Fargo Center and build a new arena in South Philadelphia for the Sixers and Flyers.
The decision was met with mixed reactions from local leaders and residents. City Councilmember Jim Harrity expressed disappointment, saying he felt “bamboozled” by the team’s sudden change of heart. However, other officials and organizations are celebrating the move, citing job creation and community benefits.
“I get more jobs,” said Ryan Boyer, president of the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council. “For the building trades, this is good news.”
The new deal will see the stadium district in South Philadelphia enhanced and expanded, providing the Sixers with a state-of-the-art arena. Comcast Spectacor has pledged to commit financial resources needed to revive the dormant Market East corridor.
Philadelphia councilmember Kendra Brooks was pleased with the decision but wanted more details on the new deal. The No Arena Coalition also reacted positively, stating they were “relieved” that the nightmare of a Center City Sixers arena would not haunt the city anymore.
A press conference on the decision is expected to be held on Monday morning.
Source: https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/officials-sixers-abandon-center-city-plan-will-stay-in-south-philly/4075455