Sixers abandon plans for Center City arena: South Philly residents react

In a stunning curveball announcement to abandon plans for Center City, the Sixers and Comcast have struck a deal to build a new Sixers/Flyers arena in South Philadelphia. 

Now the 60-year-old neighborhood known as the South Philadelphia Sports Complex went from losing one of its longtime major tenants to winning them back in a blockbuster behind the scenes deal.  

"It’s bedlam when there’s an Eagles game." said Regina Sheehan of the Packer Park neighborhood of South Philadelphia where she’s lived in the shadows of the stadiums for the last 20. 

Although fans and traffic come with the territory, a plan for new arena and surrounding complex could bring more headaches.

"Maybe a little bit more congestion than what we already have. I mean there’s a lot of room down here to build a lot of stuff. The Navy Yard is endless. I don’t know where they’ll put it as long as they don’t put it here" said Sheehan.

"There’s really nothing to do around here besides games. They need to make it more of an area that you want to stay in before and after the games" said Packer Park resident Chris Mellett who was thrilled the Sixers reconsidered.

The team, whose ownership group is led by investor Josh Harris, said it had formed a 50-50 joint venture with Comcast, owner of the Flyers, to replace its arena in the South Philadelphia stadium district by the 2031 seasons.

Mayor Cherelle Parker called the deal "a win, win, win, win for Philadelphia." However she also admitted it was one she "never saw coming".

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New Sixers arena plan for South Philly includes revitalized Market East, WNBA team bid

A sudden change of plans will keep the Sixers in South Philadelphia as city officials gathered Monday to praise the team's unexpected decision to abandon their Center City arena proposal to become part of a new partnership.

Parker was joined Monday by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who appeared remotely, the team and Comcast leaders, who promised the new plan would bring vibrancy and a new vision to South Philadelphia. The parties also pledged to work with the city to try to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia.

The announcement comes fresh off a multi-year $400 million renovation to the Wells Fargo Center. In Monday’s release, Comcast says the new state-of-the-art arena will be "one of the finest, most technologically advanced, and sustainable sports and entertainment arenas in the country.

"I mean this arena (Wells Fargo Center)  is pretty new. I really don’t feel like we need another one" said Flyers fan Cameron Joyce of Bryn Mawr.

At Monday night’s Flyers game, many fans were thrilled the Sixers and Flyers will stay where they've been always been.

"I definitely do like that everything is staying around here and no one is moving" said Jack Kelly of Chadds Ford.

"There’s plenty of room. I mean, The Spectrum used to be right there to your left. Just chaos in Center City. It just would not be the right choice" said Mark Wolf of Center City.

In February last year, Comcast revealed plans for what the complex may look like after a $240 billion construction project that would include a hotel, music venue, office and retail space similar to the complex known as "The Battery" in Atlanta. 

Throw in a brand-new arena, and it could usher in a new generation of a Philadelphia landmark neighborhood.

"Just bring it on down South" said Sheehan.

It’s not clear where the new arena would be constructed since no specific plans have been presented to the City. According to a press release Comcast will hold naming rights to the new arena. 

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