It has been more than a year since the Philadelphia 76ers announced its proposal to build its new arena in Center City and many questions still remain, writes Jeff Gammage for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Most of the questions pertain to the economic and community impact the proposed arena would have on the city.

Most of those questions are likely to have more concrete answers by the end of the year; just before new City Council members and a new mayor take office. 

CSL International, a sports and entertainment specialist, was hired to make economic assessments and projections. Meanwhile, New York-based real estate planning company, BJH Advisors, and Philadelphia-based Sojourner Consulting, are tasked with examining the proposed arena’s impact on surrounding neighborhoods, as well as other residential and commercial entities.

Councilman Mark Squilla, who councils in the district the new arena is proposed in, feels the studies are important in gaining the support or denial of the arena getting built.

“I’m hoping these studies will decide where to go,” said Squilla.

Overall, the proposed arena has both strong support and opposition, and it is likely to remain that way until the study is conducted and a definitive decision is made.

Learn more about views on both sides of the spectrum of the proposed Sixers arena at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

_____