As obstacles multiply in Philadelphia for the construction of the new hall Sixers In town, neighboring New Jersey is pushing to get the franchise back.
Joel Embiid and company's training center is already in Camdenin New Jersey, and the state's governor, Phil Murphy, is doing everything he can to convince Josh Harris to build his new arena there as well. The land is ready, as are the tax credits, worth a total of $800 million…
New Jersey is continuing its charm offensive by revealing images of what the hall could look like, right next to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge which connects Philadelphia to Camden.
Across the river?
“The rendering shows the potential transformation of Camden's waterfront, on the site of the former state prison, north of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The proposed project is more than just a state-of-the-art arena, it is open space, new housing, restaurants and offices, which will help create new, well-paying jobs. This project will stimulate economic activity and revitalize a neighborhood into a vibrant environment, which will be a major economic opportunity for Camden and its residents in the years to come.” writes the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
New Jersey is also promising docks to allow ferries to shuttle Sixers fans across the Delaware to games.
In reality, the only problem is that the venue would technically not be in Philadelphia, although it would be just across the river and less than a mile from the city's historic downtown.
For the Sixers, the ideal option is still the “76 Place at Market East” project, in the heart of the City of Brotherly Love. The problem is that opposition is strong, especially in the adjacent “Chinatown” district, and the franchise may ultimately be pressed for time if it wants to inaugurate its arena in 2031.
