Philadelphia City Council members voted 12-4 to give preliminary approval to the 76ers’ controversial proposal to build an arena in Center City, likely ending a two-and-a-half year saga that pitted the NBA franchise against leaders in neighboring Chinatown and paving the way for a transformation of the Market East corridor when the arena opens in 2031. The legislation needed to authorize the $1.3 billion project is not expected to get a final vote until Dec. 19, but the preliminary vote all but guaranteed its passage. The legislation included a $60 million community benefits agreement, less than some members of council had been seeking. The arena is scheduled to open in time for the 2031-2032 NBA season, and demolition is scheduled to begin on the East Market Street site in 2026.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 12/12/2024