Philadelphia Protesters Rally Against Proposed Sixers Arena Near Chinatown

More than a thousand protesters gathered outside Philadelphia City Hall to against the proposed NBA Sixers arena, 76 Place, near Chinatown, on Sept. 7, 2024. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times

PHILADELPHIA—On Sept. 7, more than a thousand protesters gathered outside city hall to rally against the proposed NBA Philadelphia 76ers arena, called 76 Place, near Chinatown.

The event, organized by the Save Chinatown Coalition, brought together community leaders, politicians, and residents concerned about the potential negative impact the development could have on one of Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhoods.

The 76ers first proposed building a new arena in Center City near Chinatown in 2022. The $1.3 billion project slated to open in 2031 is planned to replace the Wells Fargo Center as the new home of the Sixers.

Four reports on the proposed Sixers arena, commissioned by the City of Philadelphia and prepared by independent consultants, have recently been released. These reports outline both the potential benefits and the negative impacts.

Economically, the arena is expected to generate $1.9 billion in activity over 30 years, create hundreds of jobs, and contribute $390 million in new tax revenue. It could also revitalize the Market East area, attracting businesses and increasing foot traffic. The arena’s proximity to public transit aims to reduce traffic congestion.

Additionally, the project has pledged to offer $50 million in community benefits, including to support affordable housing and local businesses​.

However, critics point out that the reports show potential disruptions to small businesses, transportation, and the neighborhood’s social fabric. A community impact assessment warned that the arena could lead to “a cascade of indirect impacts” and “potentially result in the loss of Chinatown’s core identity​.”

Support for Chinatown

Bobby Zhang, general secretary of the Pennsylvania United Chinese Coalition, representing 38 Chinatown organizations, voiced his concerns to the crowd at the Saturday event.

“If the arena is built, Chinatown will lose its identity,” he said.

He said that Chinatown, with its 150-year history, is home to over 20,000 people and more than 300 businesses. Zhang accused developers of making false promises about community funding and warned that the entire city, not just Chinatown, would suffer from the project. “We will fight to the end along with the thousands of people here today,” he said​.

Bobby Zhang (left), General Secretary of the Pennsylvania United Chinese Coalition Inc., speaks at the rally outside Philadelphia City Hall on Sept. 7, 2024. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times

Several politicians also addressed the crowd, expressing their solidarity with the Chinatown community.

“We know that wealthy developers see our neighborhoods as dollar signs, not communities of people with deep historic and cultural roots,” said State Rep. Rick Krajewski, drawing comparisons to the displacement of other groups he has seen in West Philadelphia.

State Rep. Rick Krajewski speaks at the rally outside Philadelphia City Hall on Sept. 7, 2024. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times

City Councilman Nicolas O’Rourke echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s essential for us to locate ourselves in the struggles of the people.” He said, “No arena in Chinatown,” to loud applause from the crowd​.

Philadelphia City Councilman Nicolas O’Rourke speaks at the rally outside Philadelphia City Hall on Sept. 7, 2024. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times

State Rep. Christopher Rabb stressed the importance of unity among different neighborhoods: “Our fates are intertwined. ... Are you with the billionaires or are you with Philly?”​

State Rep. Christopher Rabb speaks at the rally outside Philadelphia City Hall on Sept. 7, 2024. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times

State Sen. Nikil Saval, whose district includes Chinatown, also participated in the rally.

“Plans to build an arena in the heart of our city pose an existential threat to Chinatown,” Saval said. He highlighted the historical significance of Chinatown and said it has experienced repeated struggles against unwanted development​.

State Senator Nikil Saval speaks at the rally outside Philadelphia City Hall on Sept. 7, 2024. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times

Community Voices

Eileen Ryan, a history professor at Temple University, expressed her concerns about the project at the rally.

“Chinatown is an important part of our city culture, and this arena will destroy that,” she told The Epoch Times. Ryan said she believes the development would benefit few while costing the city more than it gains​.

Eileen Ryan, a history professor at Temple University, at the rally outside Philadelphia City Hall on Sept. 7, 2024. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times

Kim Barbetta, a childcare provider from South Philly, also voiced her frustration about the planned project. “I love Chinatown. I think it would destroy a very crucial part of our survival,” she told The Epoch Times.

Kim Barbetta, a childcare provider from South Philly, at the rally outside Philadelphia City Hall on Sept. 7, 2024. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times

Jimena Violante, a young musician and Mexican immigrant living in Philadelphia, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural spaces. “We know the importance of staying connected to our cultures. Let’s save Chinatown and protect it,” she told The Epoch Times.

Jimena Violante, a young musician and Mexican migrant living in Philadelphia, at the rally outside Philadelphia City Hall on Sept. 7, 2024. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times

Neighboring States Step Into Debate

Delaware Gov. John Carney and a New Jersey developer have both stepped into the debate, proposing that the Sixers consider building the new arena in their respective states.

Carney highlighted Wilmington as an alternative, emphasizing that his proposal would benefit from easier transportation access and less community opposition.

Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, suggested locations in Camden, New Jersey, citing the success of other sports facilities in the area. Sullivan said he also had the support of Gov. Phil Murphy, and they were prepared to work with the legislature to offer the 76ers $500 million in state bonds to help finance the construction of the arena.

In response to New Jersey proposal, the 76ers said in a statement, “The reality is we are running out of time to reach an agreement that will allow the 76ers to open our new home in time for the 2031–32 NBA season. As a result, we must take all potential options seriously, including this one.”

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker emphasized the importance of keeping Philadelphia’s sports teams in the city on Sept. 4 during comments to reporters, stating, “The place for all Philadelphia teams is to be right here in Philadelphia, and that is a priority for me as mayor of the city.

“But we have a process here in the city of Philadelphia that we are following, and we will allow it to play itself out.”