Residents of Chinatown Fight to Preserve Their Community from Stadium Plans

The Philadelphia 76ers have unveiled plans for a new $1.3 billion arena to be constructed in the fashion district adjacent to the historic Chinatown. The proposal has garnered the support of Philadelphia’s Mayor Cherelle Parker. According to the 76ers’ website, their aim is to establish a “world-class home in the heart of the city.” Josh Harris, the 76ers Managing Partner, emphasizes that the stadium will “strengthen ties within the local community through investments that prioritize equity, inclusivity, and accessibility.” However, longtime residents of Philadelphia’s Chinatown are concerned about these plans. Critics of the proposal assert that the stadium’s development will drive up living costs and usher in gentrification in a neighborhood with a rich Chinese heritage. Residents of Chinatown have had to fight unwanted developments in the past, such as casinos, prisons, highways, and even other stadiums. In the early 2000s, activists such as Asian Americans United and the Save Chinatown Coalition successfully protested against the construction of a Phillies stadium. Now, these organizations are once again mobilizing to oppose the 76ers’ stadium. Despite the mayor’s endorsement, the Philadelphia City Council has yet to ratify the agreement. If the council gives its approval, construction is said to commence in 2028.