The Philadelphia 76ers’ lease at the Wells Fargo Center ends in 2031, and the team believes it is in their best interest to build a new facility located at Market and Filbert Streets and 10th and 11th Streets—next to the heart of the city’s renowned Chinatown.
The $1.3 billion arena has been approved by Mayor Cherelle Parker, who said that the city and the Sixers have “reached an agreement,” and that building a new stadium is one of the “best financial deals” ever approached by a Philadelphia mayor.
The thought of a revolutionary sports arena appeals to many, but it comes at the cost of one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant and eccentric communities. Built just one block away from the gates to Chinatown, the large crowds that the Sixers attract weekly would undoubtedly interrupt the lives of Chinatown residents. 69% of Chinatown residents have rejected the stadium proposal, and only 18% agreed to proceed when surveyed by WHYY.
The city plans to offer a $50 million Community Benefits Agreement, reimbursing surrounding neighborhoods and Chinatown. However, critics say no amount of money would restore Chinatown’s charming cultural identity.
Haverford has a unique connection to the lives of those immersed in Chinatown culture. Every year, Second Form students in Middle School travel to Chinatown and experience a full day buried in its unique and fascinating culture. Experiences like these may be hindered by the large crowds that sports stadiums attract. A once-animated and spirited town might become another ordinary block in downtown Philadelphia.
Fifth Former James Friel has been an ardent Sixers fan for his entire life, claiming that building a new stadium is “unnecessary” and “inconvenient.”
“I believe that the Wells Fargo stadium is just right. It is in seemingly great condition, and I have no issues with it,” Friel said. “The current stadium has an unmatched and historic atmosphere with great concessions. By no means should we get rid of something that special.”
Friel mentioned that the Wells Fargo concessions are some of the best parts of the stadium life, and they are certainly at risk if the team moves stadiums. Working labor unions of the Wells Fargo Center have voiced their opinions, claiming that the move will “drastically affect their lives” and it will put their careers at “high risk.” Nobody wants to see their favorite concessions go to ruins, but a move to the inner city would cause definite harm to those running the concessions.
Fifth Former Nate Gill believes that a new stadium move would an “amazing” addition for the Sixers franchise, believing that it is far enough away from Chinatown that it won’t have any direct impact on their community.
“Parking would be the only major issue,” Gill said. “Besides that, I think it would be quite the upgrade from the current Wells Fargo Stadium.”
Fifth Former Avery Paul shares a much different sentiment on the stadium move, saying that it “isn’t a good idea because it ruins the Philly dynamic,” and because it “takes away from the convenience of having all of our sports stadiums right next to each other.”