Join us for an exploration of the failed Philadelphia 76ers Arena Proposal in Center City. First proposed in 2022 with promises to revitalize the faltering Market East corridor, the arena generated tremendous and widespread backlash from communities across the city and region. The project, which was publicly and strongly backed by Mayor Cherelle Parker, was ultimately cancelled in early 2025, only a few weeks after the City Council approved it.  

In this four-part miniseries, we dig into this contested and complex megaproject proposal through different lenses: the evolving economic geography of Market East in the 20th century; the actual benefits and drawbacks of publicly-funded arena and stadium projects for local taxpayers; the important role of activists in Chinatown and the city’s medical community; and what the future might hold for the Market East corridor now that the promised arena has been abandoned.  

Guests 

Arthur Acolin, Associate Professor of Real Estate, University of Washington 

J.C. Bradbury, Professor of Economics, Kennesaw State University  

Vivian Chang, Executive Director, Asian Americans United (AAU) 

Randall Drain, MD 

Jody Holton, Chief Planning & Strategy Officer, SEPTA 

Brad Humphreys, Professor of Economics, West Virginia University 

William King, MD, Philadelphia County Medical Society; National Medical Association 

Joel Maxcy, Department Head and Professor of Sports Business and General Business, Drexel University 

Mohan Seshadri, Executive Director, Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance (API PA) 

Harris Steinberg, FAIA, Founding Executive Director, Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation 

Walter Tsou, MD, Philadelphia County Medical Society, President; former Health Commissioner of Philadelphia 

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