Jan 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia mayor Cherelle Parker rings the ceremonial bell before action between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Bill Streicher
Mayor Cherelle Parker will meet with constituents to discuss the proposed Sixers arena in center city on Wednesday, according to Anna Orso and Jeff Gammage of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The town hall is set to take place at 6 p.m. ET at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which is, of course, very close to the proposed site for the arena at 10th and Market.
As noted in the Inquirer story, while Parker hasn't yet endorsed the arena plan, there's reasons to believe that the city's 100th mayor is going to ultimately be in favor of it:
"There are likely to be many questions for Parker, who has yet to take a firm position on the proposed arena but has spoken favorably about the job creation the project could spur. And she is politically aligned with the Philadelphia Building Trades and Construction Council, an umbrella organization of trade unions, which is in favor of the arena project."
While the arena would technically be at the site of what's currently the Fashion District, it's drawn quite a bit of pushback from those who live and work in Chinatown, which begins at 10th and Arch Streets. It's unclear if anything can be done to change the minds of those who have concerns about the impact on Chinatown if the arena goes through, and whether a sizable chunk of citizens being against the plan could ultimately prevent it from becoming a reality.
What may also be discussed are A) what will happen to the Fashion District site if the Sixers arena doesn't end up there? and B) where will the long-term future of the team be if it isn't in center city?
Frankly, this should probably be streamed. Beyond the public having a right to see it, the entertainment value figures to be high. It will be a major test for Parker, who assumed office in January.
