Mayor Cherelle Parker said Wednesday the Philadelphia 76ers will spend millions to support the city and its school district, as well as initiatives designed to benefit residents and small businesses — if its controversial proposal to build an arena in Center City is approved.
The announcement came during a hastily called news conference that saw Parker share details of a wide-ranging agreement that would keep the Sixers in Philadelphia until at least 2061. The mayor,
who announced her support for the arena last week, also outlined the elements of a community benefits agreement, and the legislative process she hopes will hand the Sixers the approvals they need to build a new arena at 10th and Market streets.
And Parker reiterated her full-throated support Wednesday for the team’s $1.55 billion development proposal.
“Anyone who has any challenges with what is contained in this agreement, you no longer have the Philadelphia 76ers as the villain here. I am Cherelle L. Parker. I am the 100th mayor of the city of Philadelphia. I am proud and take full responsibility for what is included in this agreement,” Parker said inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
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