🏀 New arena, new transportation? | Morning Newsletter

The sun should return today. Expect clear skies and a high of 82.

We have a lot of news so let’s just dive in.

Our lead story tackles the Sixers’ transportation plan for fans at the proposed downtown arena. We also have an update on the I-95 reconstruction plan and the Made in America festival lineup.

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— Taylor Allen (@TayImanAllen, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

The Sixers estimate their proposed Center City arena would attract about 3,700 cars per game.

But that’s if the team can drastically reduce the percentage of fans who now drive to the game at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philly and simultaneously increase the percentage of those who travel on public transit.

The Sixers say their plan to build atop Jefferson Station means there’s no need to add parking and that existing lots and garages are sufficient.

The transportation plan: The Sixers project that 40% of fans would travel via SEPTA or take PATCO from South Jersey. Another 10% would walk.

A team ownership official estimates that currently about 75% of fans drive to games at the Wells Fargo Center.

Notable quote: “It would require an adjustment on the part of their fans,” said professor Michael Leeds, who studies sports economics at Temple University. “And Americans are notoriously hostile to being inconvenienced.”

Read more to learn additional details on what getting to a game in Center City would entail. And when you’re done with that, we have some fan reactions on how they think they’d get to the proposed arena.

Reconstruction is underway.

What needs to happen to rebuild I-95?

The demolition of the damaged portion of the highway will be done today. After that, crews will “backfill” the destroyed area of the highway with Pennsylvania-made recycled glass aggregate, Gov. Josh Shapiro said. Then crews will pave the surface level, and three center lanes in each direction will be reopened to motorists. The area outside those lanes will have new lanes built on it, according to Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Mike Carroll.

“Once those are completed, we will transition the traffic to the completed new structure, excavate the material that constitutes the fill, use that in another project, and complete the reconstruction of the center part of the bridge,” Carroll said

After the roadway is rebuilt, officials plan to reopen the Cottman Avenue exit ramp.

When will the I-95 rebuild be complete?

There’s no exact timeline but Shapiro said “as quickly as possible.”

Can I watch a livestream of the I-95 rebuild?

Yes, according to Shapiro. A live feed will be set up to give Pennsylvanians “a sense of timing as we move forward.” Shapiro did not say where the livestream could be viewed once it’s set up.

Keep reading for the latest information on the I-95 reconstruction.

Center City Sips may have some new competition. Which Philly neighborhood is launching its own summer happy hour series?

A) Manayunk

B) Fishtown

C) Brewerytown

D) Queen Village

Think you know? Check your answer.

🎭 Reminiscing about: Wilma Theater’s big 2023 Tony Awards night for its five nominations for Fat Ham. We have a behind the scenes look. 🔑

👀 Watching: President Joe Biden is slated to get a big union endorsement ahead of his Saturday Philly visit.

Hint: Absecon Lighthouse

TACTICAL TINY

We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Send us your own original anagram to unscramble if you’d like. Cheers to Laurel Geers, who correctly guessed Thursday’s answer: John’s Water Ice. Email us if you know the answer.

I hope your day is as joyful as this picture. See you tomorrow. 👋🏽