Sixers arena: City Council approves Sixers' Center City arena plan
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia City Council passed a series of bills that approved the construction of a new Sixers arena in Center City.
Protesters who have vehemently pushed back against the arena plan flooded council chambers ahead of the meeting. Police were needed to remove a small group of protesters who sat on the floor of council chambers with their arms locked, chanting in opposition of the vote.
The city council meeting began with an hour of public comment from impassioned supporters and opponents of the 18,500-seat arena. All 17 members of City Council then voted on 11 bills that each received majority support to greenlight the controversial plan.
- Bill #240963: Would remove the site of the proposed Sixers arena from the existing Gallery At Market East Tax Increment Financing District because the arena site will be City owned land and therefore not subject to taxation. PASSED – YAY: 12, NAY: 5
- Bill #240964-A: Creates a special services district to mitigate the impact of the arena on the surrounding community. The Arena Services District Authority will manage the district and provide services within it. The Authority would be funded by the Sixers through the Community Benefit Agreement (CBA). PASSED – YAY: 12, NAY: 5
- Bill #240966: Transaction ordinance, which includes approving the $60 Million CBA between the Sixers and the City of Philadelphia. PASSED – YAY: 12, NAY: 5
- Bill #240967: Authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between The City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to promote the growth and expansion of business, commerce and tourism within The City of Philadelphia in connection with the development of a multipurpose sports and entertainment facility, including an arena to accommodate National Basketball Association (NBA) games, and family entertainment, community, retail and other uses. PASSED – YAY: 12, NAY: 5
- Bill #240968: Removes Filbert Street between 10th and 11th Streets to provide space for the arena. It would allow changes to curbs, sidewalks, inlets, and fire hydrants as agreed by the Philadelphia Department of Streets and the Philadelphia Water Department. PASSED – YAY: 12, NAY: 5
- Bill #240969: Authorizes replacement of the existing pedestrian bridge over 10th Street with a higher pedestrian bridge. PASSED – YAY: 12, NAY: 5
- Bill #240970: Authorizes installation of protective bollards, planters, freestanding signs and bicycle racks on the sidewalks around the arena. PASSED – YAY: 12, NAY: 5
- Bill #240971: Amends Philadelphia zoning laws in the arena area to allow large signs, freestanding signs, a roof logo, and full motion digital displays. PASSED – YAYS: 12, NAY: 5
- Bill #240972: Amends the Philadelphia Zoning code to set special rules for signs located in the arena area. PASSED – YAY: 12, NAY: 5
- Bill #240973: Removing the site of the proposed Sixers arena from the existing Gallery Neighborhood Improvement District because the arena site will be City owned land and therefore not subject to taxation. PASSED – YAY: 12, NAY: 5
- Bill #241062-A: Creation of a new Philadelphia Chinatown Overlay District. PASSED – YAY: 14, NAY: 3
With the arena gaining final approval from city council, officials say demolition of the Fashion District will begin in June 2026 and construction of the arena will follow in the summer of 2028. The arena isn't expected to be completed until the summer of 2031.
David Adelman, a limited partner of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, called the vote a "critical milestone in the development of 76Place at Market East."
"The leadership that council and the mayor have displayed embodies a greater vision for Philadelphia," Adelman said in part.
The Sixers' plan to build an 18,500 seat arena in the Market East neighborhood, on the edge of Chinatown, was rolled out by the team more than two years ago.
In public hearings, opponents from Chinatown railed against the plan, while construction unions-in line for jobs-pressed for passage.
"This is not Chinatown against the Black community or the city. This is a chance for the community to have an opportunity they never had before," said Catherine Hicks, NAACP:
The bills passed with overwhelming support, while opponents dropped leaflets from above and vowed the fight was not over.
"At first we thought the politicians were rolling the red carpet for the billionaires now we know they are the red carpet the billionaires walk all over," said Taryn Flaherty, arena opponent.
Later, Mayor Cherelle Parker, a strong supporter of the Sixers arena, gathered with Council members and union leaders for a celebration of the vote.
"The City Council has taken momentous action on this 1:3 billion dollar economic plan for Philadelphia that extends well beyond basketball," said Mayor Parker.
Parker was asked about $20 million in city money for housing added late in the game.
She responded "20 million is taxpayers money but we're going to make a big investment in housing."