Ed Rendell: Why the change in the Sixers arena plans could end up being the best outcome for Center City

The decision to build a new shared arena and development in the South Philadelphia sports complex is a tremendous victory for Philadelphians. This visionary move honors our neighborhoods, strengthens our existing infrastructure, and brings the jobs and economic growth our city deserves.

The added potential for a WNBA team is a phenomenal benefit. It is beyond time for Philadelphia to join other great cities by welcoming women’s professional basketball, giving our passionate fans a brand-new team to rally around.

This outcome is a testament to the collaboration between two committed stakeholders — Comcast and Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, the co-owners of the Sixers — and the extraordinary leadership of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.

Having faced tough battles as mayor and governor myself, I can tell you firsthand that balancing big ideas, high-stakes competing interests, and the demand for results is not easy.

Mayor Parker has demonstrated remarkable poise, agility, and command. Though she initially supported the Sixers’ plan for a Center City arena, she quickly recognized that a partnership between Comcast and the Sixers would achieve many of the same goals, delivering not one but two projects for the city.

In no uncertain terms, she pledged to hold both parties accountable for executing the promised plans. These actions reflect a deep understanding of what makes Philadelphia great: our people, our pride, and our willingness to unite for the common good.

Philadelphia is not just a great sports town; it’s a city of vibrant communities that deserve real investment. While celebrating the decision to keep our sports teams in South Philadelphia, we must also focus on East Market Street.

Although it won’t host an arena, this corridor is brimming with potential.

The closure of Macy’s in the historic Wanamaker Building leaves a significant void but also presents a golden opportunity to reimagine Market Street, create jobs, and enhance our infrastructure.

There is no shortage of great ideas by Philadelphians that would bring exciting cultural and entertainment experiences to the corridor.

For example, in Peter Dobrin’s recent Inquirer article lamenting the uncertain fate of the iconic organ housed in the Wanamaker Building, the brilliant architect and lifelong Philadelphian Richard Maimon proffered an idea of reimagining the Wanamaker Building as the site of a new Philadelphia Museum, focused on the city’s storied industrial past, but built for the future education and enlightenment of Philadelphians and visitors of all generations.

Picture a future in Philadelphia where East Market Street is as bustling a hub for arts, culture, and retail, as it once was. This new partnership must deliver a sustainable, practical, and community-forward destination that will serve Philadelphia for generations.

Under Ralph and Brian Roberts’ visionary leadership, Comcast has consistently shown a deep commitment to Philadelphia for decades.

Through the collaboration of its extraordinary leaders and citizens, Philadelphia has always been a city of firsts, from the nation’s first hospital to the first stock exchange in the United States. This spirit of partnership and innovation is part of our DNA.

During my early years as governor, Comcast pledged to build a skyscraper to mark Philadelphia as its permanent home. The Comcast Center, completed in 2008, brought thousands of new jobs and a vibrant new ecosystem to a previously underdeveloped part of Center City.

As the company grew, a second tower, the Comcast Technology Center, opened in 2019. The two-building campus is now home to 10,000 employees, a five-star hotel, and several world-class dining spots, echoing Philadelphia’s historical role as a commerce hub. Comcast’s ongoing economic impact in Philadelphia is in the billions.

Together with the 76ers, I am confident Comcast will once again help create something transformative and exciting for Philadelphia, continuing our legacy of innovation and community investment.

Having faced tough battles as mayor and governor myself, I can tell you firsthand that balancing big ideas, high-stakes competing interests, and the demand for results is not easy.

The challenges ahead are real, but so is the opportunity. With the steadfast leadership of Mayor Parker and City Council and the collaboration of dedicated partners like Comcast and the Sixers, I have renewed confidence in the success of these two projects.

Now we have a new chance to build something extraordinary that honors our history while looking to the future and showcasing the unique spirit possible only in Philadelphia. Together, we can make this happen.

Ed Rendell served as the 96th mayor of Philadelphia (1992-2000) and the 45th governor of Pennsylvania (2003-2011).