PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia announced today that it will initiate an independent and comprehensive evaluation of the impact, opportunities, and challenges posed by a proposed sports arena on the 1000 block of Market Street. 

“We recognize and appreciate that the 76ers proposal has generated significant attention across the city. While it’s an exciting opportunity, we must understand the impact it may have on the surrounding communities before any plans move forward,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Given the size and scope of this proposed project, it is too early in the process to know the specific impacts of the proposed downtown arena. That is why over the coming months, several City and public agency partners, as well as third party consultants will complete various technical studies to ascertain the feasibility and impacts of an arena in the proposed location.” 

Studies will assess building design, community impact and urban planning, economic impact, and parking/traffic impact. As the City’s partner and lead economic development agency, PIDC will facilitate the City’s due diligence regarding the impact of the project to the city and the surrounding communities and will issue requests for proposals (RFPs) to evaluate these considerations. More information on those RFPs is available online here. 

Mayor Kenney added: “For the project to move forward, it is imperative that the development team ensure the project works for the surrounding communities affected by this proposed arena. We look forward to engaging stakeholders and the surrounding communities as the City moves forward with its independent evaluation of the Sixers proposal.

The City continues to encourage the developers to ensure that those who are most directly impacted by the proposed development are involved and engaged throughout every step of this process.