The Philadelphia 76ers may find a new home in the years to come. According to a report by Sean Collins Walsh’s The Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers are exploring the possibility of building a new basketball arena.
The Sixers, who currently play at the Wells Fargo Center located in South Philadelphia, have called the arena home since 1996. Based on the recent report, however, they could be eliminated by the 2031 season if all goes well with their plan.
“The Sixers propose funding the project using a Neighborhood Improvement Zone, a state program that can allow development bonds to be issued based on the future tax revenues of businesses within a given area.”
The proposal comes as the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation continues a years-long effort to remodel Penn’s Landing, and as the city moves forward with a separate project that will “cover” Interstate 95 between Chestnut and Walnut Streets, building a park on the highway that has long since cut Philadelphia from the waterfront. “
Moving out of the Wells Fargo Center doesn’t mean the Sixers will leave Philly. Instead, the team is reportedly looking to move their gaming operation to Penns Landing, which is located on the Delaware River Front.
The last time the Sixers played anywhere other than the Wells Fargo Center was in 1995. From 1967 to the opening of “The Center”, the Sixers played in South Philly at the Spectrum. Before that, they played at the Convention Hall and the Philadelphia Arena.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him on Twitter: @JGrasso_
