At the buzzer: Sixers arena gets final Council approval on last day of session

A week after giving initial approval to the Sixers' proposed Center City arena, Philadelphia City Council gave the project the final greenlight Thursday –  passing an arena development proposal that could usher in a new era not only for the Market East area near Chinatown, but for Philadelphia’s economy. 

The vote comes on the last day of the Council's legislative session in 2024, capping off a years-long pitch that turned into a months-long rush in and around City Hall. Five Council members – including Jamie Gauthier, Rue Landau, Nicolas O’Rourke, Jeffery Young Jr. and Kendra Brooks – voted against the proposal. Critics of the proposed arena yelled, “Council sellouts,” while proponents chanted, “Build it.” 

The package of 11 bills includes measures to change zoning, authorize land transfers and create a new special services district to increase public cleaning and safety efforts in the area. Ten were approved in 12-5 votes, while one, which would create a new Chinatown zoning overlay, was approved in a 14-3 vote. Landau and Gauthier said they voted in favor of the measure despite opposing the arena, because it would help protect Chinatown.

The Community Benefits Agreement – local investments made by the team to help offset potential negative impacts of development – was the major sticking point throughout the arena debate, with the CBA’s final figure delaying Council's initial vote last week. The agreed-upon $60 million CBA, which one critic called a “searing indictment of the poor leadership” displayed by City Council, includes $10 million in additional investment compared to the original $50 million pitch – but well below the $300 million and $100 million figures circulated by advocates and officials. 

The $60 million CBA includes $17.5 million for a new special services district around the arena, $5 million in aid for impacted businesses and $3 million for a new “neighborhood security substation.” It also includes other investments in parks and recreation, apprenticeship, workforce, and business grant programs. 

Dozens of protesters against the arena locked arms on the council floor to create a blockade ahead of the scheduled vote. But after the protesters refused to move, sheriff’s deputies removed and arrested those staging the last-ditch effort to thwart the vote. 

Mayor Cherelle Parker, who avoided the arena debate for the first nine months of her tenure, led the final push for approval. She held community hearings and worked behind the scenes to negotiate with both Council and the team to get the legislative package across the finish line. 

The Council’s Committee of the Whole, which includes all members, approved the legislation authorizing the arena on Dec. 12 by a 12-4 vote. Brooks was absent from the meeting. 

The legislative approval – seen as a win for the city’s building trades and a rare loss for the city’s largest company in Comcast – gives the go-ahead for the Sixers to leave the Wells Fargo Center, which is owned by Comcast Spectator. 

Mark Lynch Jr., business manager of the powerful electricians union IBEW 98, applauded City Council for approving the 76ers' arena proposal.

"What a wonderful early Christmas present for the City of Philadelphia!" Lynch said in a statement. "The majority of City Council voted today for progress and a future of limitless opportunities for our city.”