Philadelphia City Council approves new arena for 76ers despite protests

Philadelphia City Council voted 12-5 to approve a new arena for the 76ers in Center City, following a contentious process that included public protests. The arena is set to open in 2031, replacing part of the Fashion District mall. The $1.3 billion project will feature 18,500 seats and aims to boost the local economy. A community benefits agreement worth $60 million was negotiated to address concerns about the impact on nearby Chinatown. Protests erupted before the vote, leading to the removal of demonstrators from the council chambers. Supporters argue the arena will create thousands of construction jobs and generate tax revenue, while opponents fear it will harm local businesses and communities.