Philadelphia’s City Council approved a $1.3 billion project on Thursday to build a new arena for the 76ers in Center City.
The vote came after years of debate, hours of public testimony, and the dramatic removal of protestors from council chambers.
The vote passed 12-5, creating the way for the Sixers to relocate from the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia to a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of the city. The arena is set to open for the 2031-2032 NBA season, coinciding with the expiration of the team’s current lease
The legislative process leading to the approval was controversial. During public hearings, community members shared their concerns about the project’s impact on Center City’s Chinatown, displacement of residents, and rising rents.
During Thursday’s session, several protestors opposing the arena were forcibly removed by law enforcement.
“Chinatown is not for sale,” chanted one protestor before being escorted out. Opposers of the project also argue that the arena could irreparably harm the historic neighborhood.
With City Council’s approval, the Sixers are moving forward with plans to break ground on the site, aiming for 2031.
