Philadelphia releases details of agreement with 76ers for proposed arena. Here's what we know.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker unveiled the details of the agreement with the 76ers to build a new arena in Center City on Wednesday night during a public meeting at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. 

The city shared an 80-page document that contains details about the city's economic plan, the redevelopment of Market East and its commitment to Chinatown, where community members have strongly opposed the arena since it was introduced by the Sixers in 2022. 

According to Parker, the agreement would keep the Sixers in Philadelphia until 2061. It's also expected to generate $700 million in new tax revenue for the city and the School District of Philadelphia and create more than 1,000 construction and operations jobs. 

"It's the best sports facility agreement in Philadelphia history," Parker said.   

Here's what we know so far. 

When will Parker's legislative package head to City Council?

Parker's legislation for the Sixers' proposed arena, 76 Place, can be introduced to City Council as early as Oct. 24. 

The legislative package includes 11 ordinances and resolutions that would require pre-and post-construction approval, according to the presentation released by Parker's administration on Wednesday night. The ordinances and resolutions include real estate transactions, adjustments to Tax Increment Financing, and Neighborhood Improvement District areas and zoning. 

The ordinances and resolutions include street closures during the construction of the arena, including the 1000 block of Filbert Street between 10th and 11th streets and the reconfiguration of the 10th Street bridge. 

When the legislative package heads to City Council, it will be voted on by all 17 members. If at least nine vote in favor, it goes to Parker's desk for the final sign-off. 

The arena would sit in Councilmember Mark Squilla's district. He said a decision on 76 Place would likely happen in the fall and that if legislation on the arena is introduced, there will be hearings to gather public comment and consider amendments before any final decision is voted on. Squilla also said he will share the legislation with key stakeholders 30 days before it is introduced to get feedback. 

"I am proud and take full responsibility for what is included in this agreement," Parker said. "I look forward to the legislative process and how it moves forward."

When would 76 Place start being built? 

According to the agreement, demolition for the arena would start in 2026 if it's passed by City Council. 

Construction for the arena would start in 2028 and the arena would open in 2031. 

The Sixers' lease at the Wells Fargo Center with Comcast Spectacor ends in 2031, and the team wants to open 76 Place for the 2031-32 NBA season. 

The $1.3 billion proposed arena would sit on Market and Filbert streets and 10th and 11th streets, and replace part of Fashion District Philadelphia.  

Parker says her administration is committed to Chinatown amid backlash

Since 76 Place was introduced in 2022, advocates for Chinatown have strongly opposed the potential arena, saying that the development would harm the neighborhood. Just last week after Parker endorsed the project, community members held a rally outside City Hall and later said their "fight is far from over."

On Wednesday night, Parker once again stressed that she wants to see Philadelphia's Chinatown thrive, despite the backlash from community members. 

"I am committed to working with the leadership in the Chinatown community that is included in this agreement," Parker said. 

Part of that agreement with the Sixers includes a $50 million Community Benefits Agreement, which would support nearby neighborhoods, including Chinatown, and make citywide investments into education and economic opportunity, according to Parker. Seventy percent of the $50 million would be spent on impacted communities within the first 10 years. 

The CBA would "jumpstart" a city-led focus on Chinatown aimed at strengthening the community moving forward, according to Parker's presentation. 

The CBA includes a Chinatown Small Business Lending Fund, which would include $3 million to help stabilize and expand Chinatown businesses. 

The city also plans to work with the Philadelphia Parking Authority for a parking analysis of the area surrounding the arena. They're also hoping to promote ride-sharing and other public transportation that steers traffic away from Chinatown. 

Last month, the city released four highly anticipated independent studies, which included how the arena would impact Chinatown. 

The reports found that the Sixers' proposed arena could indirectly displace businesses and residents in Chinatown, which would sit north of 76 Place. The reports also found that public transportation will be key for the success of the arena, and that if more than 40% of people drive to 76 Place, some intersections could be gridlocked with traffic.

In a statement following the meeting on Wednesday night, the Save Chinatown Coalition said in part: 

"It is outlandish that the mayor is unilaterally trying to impose a CBA on a project that lacks even the most basic studies on housing and rent costs, impacts on small businesses, livability, and transit access – issues that will impact the city for years to come, between multiple years of construction and long-term damage to traffic flow and access to emergency healthcare. We are united in opposition to the arena and the rushed, haphazard process surrounding it."

Plan includes public safety spending, new security hub

The plan also addresses public safety in the area of the arena. 

According to the presentation shared by the city, the Sixers will have dedicated staff responsible for responding to community concerns about the arena.

The agreement between the Sixers and the city also says that the team will put $4.14 million toward 21 new security cameras and new lighting around the arena as well as a new "neighborhood security substation" for public safety staff from the Philadelphia Police Department, SEPTA, Center City District, Jefferson and others.

Redeveloping the Market East corridor

The arena offers an opportunity "to unlock long-needed redevelopment" along the Market East corridor running from City Hall to the Delaware River, her presentation said.

"If anyone tells you that Market Street is OK the way it is, I will tell you that they haven't been in Philadelphia as long as I have, and that vision is short-sighted," Parker said in her remarks Wednesday.

The Sixers' plan to redevelop Market East has two phases. The first includes the arena site and the south side of the 1000 block of Market Street. Development is expected to include 380 residential units, 127 parking spaces and 28,000 square feet of retail space, according to the mayor's presentation.

The second phase focuses on the south side of the 900 block of Market Street and would include 340 residential units, 114 parking spots and 26,000 square feet of retail space, the presentation says.

Outside of the Sixers' plans, other developers have proposed projects that would add hundreds of residential units and hotel rooms, 50,000 square feet of new retail and 700,000 square feet of office space to the corridor, the city says. 

"I don't like Philadelphia being left out": Parker eager to pursue a WNBA team for the city

If the arena gets built, the Sixers won't be the only ticket to see at 76 Place. There will be potential for more concerts, college basketball tournaments and even a future WNBA team in Philadelphia. 

Parker briefly talked about Philly potentially adding a WNBA during the public meeting. 

"I know you notice we don't have a WNBA here in the city of Philadelphia, y'all know your mayor don't like that," Parker said.

Philadelphians have been hopeful for a WNBA team since Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in April that the city was in the running for a WNBA franchise. The WNBA has recently added expansion teams and will have 15 franchises in 2026. 

Parker said she has been hoping for a WNBA team in Philly for even longer.

"I got connected during my 10 years of majority leader in council with a dynamic group of women who have been working for a very long time to put together the potential for Philadelphia to see a team one day," Parker said. "I knew it was a long shot but when they told me about the idea I said, 'I will try.' I don't like Philadelphia being left out."

"I will tell you that with this new Sixers arena there, there is no one who can tell me that Philadelphia just would not have upped its position in trying and trying to pursue a WNBA team for our great city," she added. "I can hope, I can dream, I can pray."

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