Broad Street Brief: Special Edition – Mayor Parker Announces Support for Center City Arena

September 18, 2024

On Wednesday, September 18, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker officially announced that her administration has reached an agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers over the proposed Center City 76Place arena, a significant development project that aims to bring the Philadelphia 76ers to a new, state-of-the-art facility in Market East. The announcement follows extensive community consultations, including recent discussions with Chinatown leaders and the release of comprehensive impact reports assessing the arena’s potential effects on the immediate neighborhood.

Subscribe

Mayor Parker’s endorsement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the arena’s location and design. The decision supports the vision of a privately-funded project designed to revitalize Market East, create jobs, and boost the local economy. The Center City 76Place is expected to not only serve as a new home for the 76ers but also as a catalyst for further development and investment in the surrounding area.

In her statement, Mayor Parker indicated that she will be transmitting the necessary related legislative package to the City Council for its consideration. The legislation would need to be passed by the end of the year in order for the Sixers’ proposed development timeline to remain feasible. City Councilmember Mark Squilla, whose district encompasses Market East, has not publicly indicated his opinion on the arena.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

Explore Articles and News

See All News