Sixers Arena in Center City (Philadelphia, Boothwyn: appointed, crime, movie theater)

[ilovephilly79]

Originally Posted by Angus215

It sounds like whoever pumped all that money into the Fashion District is looking for a way out.

I guess that makes sense. That place is full of rowdy teens and it certainly makes it less desirable to go there. I don't know why they ever thought brand new buildings would solve a people problem.

[AshbyQuin]

Feel like RTM would benefit greatly from this. Who wants nasty overpriced stadium concessions when you can get actual food a block away.

[MarketStEl]

Originally Posted by AshbyQuin

Feel like RTM would benefit greatly from this. Who wants nasty overpriced stadium concessions when you can get actual food a block away.

The RTM will be closed when most arena events (other than conferences) take place.

[MarketStEl]

Originally Posted by ilovephilly79

I guess that makes sense. That place is full of rowdy teens and it certainly makes it less desirable to go there. I don't know why they ever thought brand new buildings would solve a people problem.

"Brand new"?

It's a rebuild, not new construction.

[MarketStEl]

Originally Posted by ilovephilly79

So they would demolish part of the newly constructed Fashion District for this thing? I get that they want to put it right over top of Jefferson station, but would it really have been too far to put it at that huge parking lot at 8th and market?

Transit station connections are better at the site the Sixers chose. No walking outside to get to the arena from any station; at the DisneyHole, Regional Rail passengers would have to walk outside, and there's no possibility for passengers to be distributed among three Market-Frankford Line stations.

But I also think that what Angus215 suspects also came into play. PREIT wrote down the value of the mall because sales were weak (I linked to a story in the Inky about this in my article), then sold its interest in the mall to its partner, Macerich. Putting the arena here would salvage what remains of Macerich's investment, and the Sixers' FAQ answer stating that they would work with the mall owner to refashion its remaining two-thirds as an entertainment hub also points in that direction.

[NewtownBucks]

Originally Posted by MarketStEl

Transit station connections are better at the site the Sixers chose. No walking outside to get to the arena from any station; at the DisneyHole, Regional Rail passengers would have to walk outside, and there's no possibility for passengers to be distributed among three Market-Frankford Line stations.

But I also think that what Angus215 suspects also came into play. PREIT wrote down the value of the mall because sales were weak (I linked to a story in the Inky about this in my article), then sold its interest in the mall to its partner, Macerich. Putting the arena here would salvage what remains of Macerich's investment, and the Sixers' FAQ answer stating that they would work with the mall owner to refashion its remaining two-thirds as an entertainment hub also points in that direction.

It was dumb to think they could rebrand The Gallery as another mall in a time mainstream malls were dying (even before Covid, malls were dying, Covid was just the final nail). The "Fashion District" made it seem like it should be outlet stores for high end fashion, but it's basically just another mall, but without proper anchor stores. The only thing in there worth the time is the City Winery, but if they are going to actually rebrand the whole complex as an "entertainment hub", then I guess City Winery can stay.

[cpomp]

One thing I thought of after reviewing the plan in more detail: Market East needs a master plan from 8th - 11th, rather than an arena and spotty redevelopment here and there. Use the South side of the 1100 block for inspiration.

[pcity]

So the Flyers wouldn't be a part of this? I think a downtown arena is a great idea, but having it basketball-only feels like a waste.

[Tweb66]

Originally Posted by pcity

So the Flyers wouldn't be a part of this? I think a downtown arena is a great idea, but having it basketball-only feels like a waste.

Comcast owns the Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers have wanted their own place ever since they were sold to Josh Harris and became a mere tenant. Philadelphia is large enough to keep 2 arenas of that size busy.

[CarnivalGal]

Saw this earlier this morning