Some Thoughts on the Newly Proposed Sixers Stadium
The Sixers are proposing a new privately funded arena in downtown Philly opening in 2031:
Quick access to Broad Street when the Sixers win the NBA Finals in 2031. pic.twitter.com/2NcJhmgAnl
— Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) July 21, 2022
via 76ers Press Release:
Josh Harris and David Blitzer, Managing Partners of the Philadelphia 76ers, announced today the creation of a new development company, 76 Devcorp, responsible for developing the future home of the Philadelphia 76ers. Led by Philadelphia business leader David Adelman, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment (HBSE), the Development Corporation is pursuing a privately-funded, purpose-built sports and entertainment arena, 76 Place, that will be located on a portion of the current site of Fashion District Philadelphia and serve as an anchor to Center City.
The new, privately-funded arena is anticipated to cost approximately $1.3 billion.
Here’s a statement from Comcast Spectacor, who basically got a note slid under their apartment door letting them know they’re being broken up with. This statement is akin to them immediately booking a trip to Ibiza and captioning their next Instagram, “Living my best life.”:
We’ve had a terrific partnership with the Sixers for decades and look forward to hosting the team in this world-class facility until at least 2031. We’ve invested hundreds of millions alongside the City, Phillies, and Eagles to make the South Philadelphia Stadium District an incredible destination for sports, entertainment and our passionate fans. We think it rivals any in the nation and will continue to draw the best events — the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a perfect example.
First thoughts on the new arena:
- I’ve always wanted a stadium in Philly surrounded by restaurants and bars ever since I visited Wrigley, Fenway, and Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. It’s a better pregame tailgate scene to spill out of the bars and walk 500 feet to the gates. More expensive of course than just bringing 15 Bud Lights in a plastic bag and going to a parking lot, but people rarely tailgate Sixers games like they do the Eagles.
- If this goes through, say goodbye driving to games. This is awesome for people from the suburbs. A PATCO stop sits two blocks from the proposed site while Jefferson Station at 11th and Filbert takes care of the Regional Rail. The only problem is do you trust SEPTA enough to not break down during rush hour or have hour long delays? There’s also an El and BSL stop at 8th and Market, but anyone right now taking the subway is taking a chance with their life. Maybe it’ll be safe to use by 2031.
- Also this:
“For those who chose to drive, the site is within a ½ mile radius of 29 parking garages operating with significant spare capacity. These garages are spread out from each other, which helps spread out traffic and limits congestion.”https://t.co/5irQe9zRgx
— Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) July 21, 2022
- People are freaking out that a stadium is going downtown because all they’ve ever known is vast swaths of asphalt as far as the eye can see. Madison Square Garden, TD Garden, Capital One Arena. All are downtown in busy major cities. This isn’t some new concept.
- I’m going to be fucking 38 when this thing is built. Woof.
- I think the Wells Fargo remains. It’ll be 35 by the time the proposed stadium is built. They’re putting $350 million into it. The Farg and the Flyers are both owned by Comcast. I can’t see Comcast paying the Sixers rent money. Comcast is also building a 3,500 seat eSports stadium down there. It still hosts a ton of events and its access to the airport is good for performers. For reference the Spectrum was 45 when it closed.
- Bill Simmons has to become a Sixers fan now: