Billionaire developer and co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers David Adelman first proposed building a new arena for the team at Market East in July last year, writes Laura Swartz for the Philadelphia Magazine.

A year later, the future of the $1.3 billion 76 Place is as unknown now as it was then.

Adelman envisioned an arena sitting atop SEPTA’s Jefferson Station. It would replace a third of the Fashion District Mall and put an entertainment hub in its place.

Fans would be able to reach the court directly from the station tunnel, and most likely stick around for dinner and drinks afterward.

“Your night shouldn’t just be from the time you scan your ticket to the time you leave,” said Adelman.

However, the project has encountered major opposition from the neighboring Chinatown community. A large protest was held in June showing growing resistance to the arena on the grounds as it would threaten a community that had already been hemmed in by one big development project after another.

Each day, a new reason arises both why the arena will and will not work. However, the official word on the project’s future is still pending.

Read more about the proposed arena project in the Philadelphia Magazine.

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