Philadelphia Front Page News TV-Radio News In Brief: 76ers throw Parker a 'curve ball' in South Philly Sports Complex, abandoning hard-won plans for Center City arena Forward news by KYW Newsradio frontpagenews1@yahoo.com
Above: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — After more than two years of hearings, long-winded debates and bitter protests — and after winning over City Council to vote on legislation to pave the way — the 76ers have abandoned their plans to build a new arena in Center City.
Sixers and Flyers owners say they struck a deal on a new arena, promise renewed commitment to East Market.
The team's owners have instead struck a 50-50 deal with Comcast Spectacor to demolish Wells Fargo Center, which the company owns, and build a new arena in the South Philly Sports Complex.
The Center City arena project, called 76 Place, was approved by Philadelphia City Council late last month. Some council members who voted against it say they feel blindsided.
Councilmember Kendra Brooks said she wants to know what exactly happened and why they put so much energy into a project that didn’t go anywhere.