Renderings were revealed this week that show what a new Philadelphia 76ers’ basketball arena in Camden, New Jersey could look like. The visual, shared by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), depicts a stadium situated along the waterfront not far from where the 76ers currently have their practice facility.
Tim Sullivan, NJEDA CEO, has said Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (owner of the 76ers) could be eligible for hundreds of millions in tax credits if the 76ers relocate. Sixers officials have said they are taking the relocation opportunity “very seriously.”
“We appreciate [Governor] Murphy and the NJEDA for presenting a thoughtful and compelling vision for the revitalization and economic growth of Camden, a city we are already committed to through our training complex,” a 76ers spokesperson told local reporters.
The new visual shows not just a basketball stadium, but also hotels, businesses, and restaurants dotting Camden’s waterfront. This release comes on the heels of massive protests against plans by 76 DevCo. to build a $1.3 billion basketball stadium in Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood designed by Gensler.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is working hard to bring the 76ers to the Garden State together with Sullivan. “I think we’ve made a very compelling case,” Murphy told reporters. “We’ve got a history of bringing big-time sports teams to New Jersey quite successfully, including sports teams that have the name of another city on their jersey.”
“You have a potentially iconic arena in a great location that could be something really special,” Sullivan said. “Just close your eyes and imagine the tip-off on opening night in 2031: The eyes of the NBA world would be on Camden, seeing people hanging out in restaurants and bars nearby—and living in a new residential development,” Sullivan continued.
The Save Chinatown Coalition, an activist group working hard to stop the construction of a new basketball arena in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, sees the new rendering as an example of intimidation. “This drawing is another blatant example of the developers’ bullying tactics, designed to pressure Mayor Parker into giving three billionaires their way, despite the fact that 69% of Philadelphia voters do not want a Center City arena,” Save Chinatown Coalition said in a statement.
“[Philadelphia] Mayor Parker made it clear at Wednesday’s public meeting that bullying is the wrong way to persuade her, and the Sixers’ continued threats to move to Camden are a direct challenge to her authority,” Save Chinatown Coalition continued. “These developers are trying to strong-arm the Mayor and our communities, showing once again that they prioritize advancing their own agenda over meaningful engagement with the people whose lives would be forever changed by this half-baked project.”
AN has reached to NJEDA for more information on the project, including the architects behind it.
