Trusted Local News

Comcast CEO: Sixers Always Welcome in South Philly

Nov 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view of the Wells Fargo Center exterior. The arena is the home of the Philadelphia 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Kirby Lee

  • Sixers

Dan Hilferty, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor, issued a statement in response to the news that Mayor Cherelle Parker is endorsing the Sixers' new arena proposal in Market East.

"Regardless of the outcome of the City's negotiations with HBSE, our door will always be open for the 76ers to join us in South Philadelphia if they ever conclude that is what is best for their team," Hilferty told On Pattison's Anthony SanFilippo.

"Alongside the Phillies, we are creating the dynamic and accessible destination for sports and entertainment that will create thousands of jobs, amplify our city and create numerous community benefits. Either way, we always want what is best for Philadelphia."

Parker revealed her support for the team's proposal at around 2:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday afternoon.

"I wholeheartedly believe this is the right deal for the People of Philadelphia," Parker said in a post on X:

"We are grateful to Mayor Parker and her team for their time and diligence in evaluating our proposal and look forward to advancing to the next steps with City Council," a Sixers spokesperson told On Pattison.

The Sixers had a strong offer from Camden, New Jersey, a source familiar with the matter said in recent days. While they preferred to stay in Philadelphia, the Sixers did not intend to remain in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.

"The return on investment for the city of Philadelphia in the future, that is what is first and foremost in my mind," the mayor said at last Wednesday's Town Hall.

That investment — which the mayor claims is represented by more than $1.3 billion in private funding — is projected to generate more than 700 full-time jobs, according to a study presented at the Town Hall meeting.

The Sixers have Mayor Parker on their side. It's one step closer to keeping them in Philadelphia for the long haul.

author

Austin Krell

Austin Krell covers the Sixers for OnPattison.com. He has been on the Sixers beat since the 2020-21 season, covering the team for ThePaintedLines.com for three years before leaving for 97.3 ESPN last season. He's written about the NBA, at large, for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Austin also hosts a Sixers-centric podcast called The Feed To Embiid. He has appeared on various live-streamed programs and guested on 97.5 The Fanatic, 94 WIP, 97.3 ESPN, and other radio stations around the country. Follow him on X at @NBAKrell. Follow him on Bluesky at @austinkrell.bsky.social.

author

Anthony SanFilippo

Anthony SanFilippo is the managing editor of both PhillyDaily.com and DelcoNow.com and also contributes to the company's sports coverage at OnPattison.com. He has been covering professional sports in Philadelphia since 1998. He has worked for WIP Radio, ESPN Radio, NBCSportsPhilly.com, the Delaware County Daily Times and its sister publications in the Philly burbs, the Associated Press, PhiladelphiaFlyers.com and, most recently, Crossing Broad. He also hosts a pair of Philly Sports podcasts (Phightin' Words and Snow the Goalie), makes frequent appearances on local television and radio programs, dabbles in acting, directing, teaching, and serves on a nonprofit board, which is why he has no time to do anything else, but will if you ask. Follow him on X @AntSanPhilly.

STEWARTVILLE

Events

May

S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31

To Submit an Event Sign in first

Today's Events

No calendar events have been scheduled for today.