The 76ers and Chinatown: Culture vs. Commercialism

In July 2022, the 76ers unveiled a 1.55 billion dollar project to relocate the Sixers from the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia to 10th and Market Street in preparation for the expiration of their lease in 2031. Since most other NBA teams have permanent homes, the 76ers plan to move into their own rather than continuing to rent space. The Fashion District Mall, which currently occupies this site, has lost several department stores, including Marshalls, Target, and Waws, and is economically struggling. The arena would bring more business to the area and revitalize it. 

However, this plan faces strong opposition from supporters of Philadelphia's historic Chinatown district, which is adjacent to the proposed location. This Chinatown is not only important to Philadelphia’s history, but it is also one of the only remaining Chinatowns in the nation. Having such a commercial location so close to Chinatown could jeopardize the preservation of the district and its history as more businesses move in to capitalize on and gentrify the area. This would cause the displacement of the current residents and the destruction of Chinatown’s cultural authenticity. In response to concerns about preserving Philadelphia’s Chinatown’s heritage, 76ers co-owner David Adelman has claimed that the increased business in the area will bring more visitors to Chinatown, thus strengthening it.

Opponents of the plan reference Washington D.C.’s Chinatown, whose current location dates back to 1931. The district began to decline in 1963, during the riots following Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination; however, a new sports and entertainment area increased the decline of D.C.’s Chinatown as commercialism grew. Businesses such as Subway and Starbucks have replaced the original stores, and only 300 Chinese residents remain as of 2017. Former inhabitants of D.C.’s Chinatown argue that “Chinatowns do not survive on tourism, they survive on community.” The 76ers arena in Philadelphia would irrevocably change the area, forcing Chinese families to leave the district and be replaced by non-Chinese inhabitants and businesses that would eventually overtake Chinatown’s heritage. 

As the conflict continues, Philadelphians look to Mayor Cherelle Parker, who will ultimately determine if the plan proceeds. However, Parker has not yet made a conclusive statement on the matter. Parker aims to prioritize the voices of her citizens over the economic benefits of the plan, stating: “You can’t have a project with that potential as it relates to an economic impact and not hear the voices from people in our city.” But, this does not mean that Parker plans to side with Chinatown; instead, she wants to do what will be best for Philadelphians overall. Whether she believes the city will benefit most from the 76er’s arena or Chinatown’s preservation remains unclear.