The Philadelphia 76ers have announced an ambitious project to build a new arena in Center City, a move that could potentially come to fruition by the 2031-32 NBA season. The plan, although endorsed by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, faces a challenging road ahead, requiring approval from the city council and overcoming strong community opposition.
Among the most vocal opponents is Jason Kelce, who has expressed his discontent with the proposed relocation. "I would prefer it stays in South Philly, unquestionably," said Kelce, drawing from personal experience. Having grown up in Cleveland, Ohio, Kelce witnessed the NFL's Browns relocate to Baltimore, an event that has evidently influenced his stance on the 76ers' plans.
Concerns about the displacement of local residents, particularly those in Chinatown, have fueled much of the opposition. Groups like the Save Chinatown Coalition and No Arena Washington Square West have outright condemned the proposal. The impact on these communities is a primary worry, and this sentiment is echoed by Kelce: "All of these people have devoted all of their time, all of their efforts, all of their money and a lifetime of fandom toward this team, and now you're going to strong-arm people against what the city wants."
City residents appear to share Kelce's apprehension, as a recent poll of registered voters in Philadelphia showed a mere 18% in favor of the new Center City arena. The proposed venue, backed by the ownership group Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (HBSE), faces significant hurdles in garnering widespread community support.
HBSE, which owns the 76ers, NFL's Washington Commanders, and NHL's New Jersey Devils, has acknowledged an alternative proposal from Camden, New Jersey, as a backup option if the Philadelphia deal falls through. Currently, the 76ers' lease at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia is set to expire in 2031, adding a layer of urgency to their push for a new home.
Kelce's connection to the emotional aspect of the relocation stands out vividly: "I really have a hard time being OK with that. I'm not OK with it. I think it's wrong." His remarks highlight a broader concern about the disconnect between the ownership group's interests and those of the local community. He points out the diverse ownership interests of HBSE, stating, "The ownership group isn't Philadelphian! It's got a New Jersey Devils team, a Philadelphia team, and now a Washington team! Now they're forcing the city to do what this guy wants, and it sucks."
Despite his strong opposition, Kelce concedes that in the long run, the new arena might eventually be embraced: "I'll say this, when it does get built in Center City and all of these people are displaced, at the end of the day people are probably going to love it. In 10 years, all of this is gonna be different, and we're probably going to be really happy that there's this beautiful complex that was developed down there in a thriving part of the city. Right now, I really hate it."
The contrast between Kelce's current sentiments and his reluctant optimism for the future speaks to the complexity of the issue. It underlines the tension between short-term community impacts and potential long-term gains for the city's development and economy. As the debate continues, the 76ers and HBSE will need to navigate through community backlash, political approval, and the ticking clock of their existing lease arrangement.
In summation, the 76ers' plan for a new Center City arena is at a crossroads, with strong opposition rooted in community concerns and supported by poignant voices like Jason Kelce's. The path to realization is fraught with challenges, and it remains to be seen whether the 76ers can reconcile their ambitions with the needs and wishes of Philadelphia's residents.