Sixers arena ‘curveball’
After more than two years of fierce debate, the Sixers have abandoned their plans for a downtown arena, surprising many city officials and residents. What's coming up next?
Listen 51:14
The proposed Sixers arena would be called 76 Place at Market East. (76 Place)
After more than two years of fierce debate, the Philadelphia 76ers have abandoned their plans to build a new downtown arena, surprising many residents and city officials, including Mayor Cherelle Parker, who is embracing what she called a “curveball.”
The updated plan calls for a new facility co-owned by the Sixers and Flyers to be built in the South Philadelphia stadium district in a deal that appeases Sixers’ leadership, Comcast Spectacor, the building trades unions, and the Chinatown coalition that opposed the downtown stadium.
Officials say the plan also includes a yet-to-be-detailed idea for revitalizing Market East and the promise of a better chance of securing a WNBA team.
How did this new deal come together? Who are the winners and losers? Who leveraged who? Why wasn’t the deal reached sooner, before Philadelphia City Council and the mayor greenlit the downtown plan?
On this episode of Studio 2, we dig into those questions and get
your reactions to this surprising twist.
Guests:
Daniel Pearson, Philadelphia Inquirer editorial board writer
Kathryn Ott Lovell, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation
Kendra Brooks, Philadelphia City Councilmember At-Large
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by Studio 2
Sources: Sixers abandon plan to build new Center City arena, will remain in South Philly
The decision is rooted in a deal struck with Comcast Spectacor, which hopes to transform the South Philly sports complex over the next decade.
1 month ago
Protesters disrupt Center City traffic in response to City Council advancing 76ers arena proposal
Roughly 70 vehicles disrupted traffic on Market Street to simulate traffic congestion before and after events at the proposed 18,500-seat arena.
2 months ago
Listen 1:10
Studio 2 Extra: Philadelphia suburb hosts nation’s largest trash incinerator
The documentary "Trash & Burn" alleges that America's largest trash incinerator is causing Chester's childhood asthma rates to be four times the national average.
Air Date: November 18, 2024 4:00 pm
Listen 11:36