Philadelphia City Council approves 76ers proposed arena
Architectural rendering of the arena inside the proposed 76 Place. Architectural rendering showing cross section of the arena in 76 place. (Courtesy of Gensler and CBL Real Estate, LLC)
After what feels like decades, it appears 76 Place is really coming.
Philadelphia City Council approved the 76ers’ proposed arena, 76 Place on Market East, with a 12-5 vote on Thursday afternoon.
After more than two years of public backlash and protests from Chinatown (which included a mad scene Thursday morning), union labor, Comcast, and pretty much everyone, this is happening.
Demolition of parts of the Fashion District, where this new arena is going, will start in June 2026. Officials say construction will start in the summer of 2028 and the 18,500-seat arena is planned for completion in the summer of 2031, when the Sixers’ lease at the Wells Fargo Center ends.
So, uh, demolishing the building at the same time as the World Cup and All-Star Game are going on in the city? Alright. Here we go.
David Adelman, the Chairman of 76 Place, released this statement on Twitter/X following the votes:
My thoughts: I love the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. We are the only city and do not quote me on it, but probably the only spot in the world, where all four of our teams play in the same spot. The parking lot is big and great for tailgating and it is not terrible getting in and out.
Moving to center city is benefiting one thing only: the Philadelphia 76ers. Do they want their own place to earn more money? Of course. Is there anything wrong with the Wells Fargo Center? No. But, money talks.
Going to games is going to be a horrible experience for out-of-city fans, like myself. Trying to be like Madison Square Garden and the TD Garden is not going to work in Philadelphia.
But, we shall see how the next six years transpire. Maybe putting a winning team on the court will help.
Use code PHILLYSPORTSREPORT for $20 off your first SeatGeek order
Click here to save 10% on any order at FOCO
Benjamin Goldstein
Benjamin has been covering Philly Sports for Philly Sports Reports since 2017. He is a podcaster, writer, and founder of Philly Sports Reports. Benjamin is also an intern at the WBCB Sports Network on 1490AM. Through Philly Sports Reports, Benjamin has gotten the opportunity to meet Phillies owner John Middleton in his suite and be honored as the Philadelphia sports fan of the week for KYW News Radio. He hopes to be reporting on Philly sports as a full-time job in the future.
1 thought on “Philadelphia City Council approves 76ers proposed arena”