Good morning everyone,
One of the clichés we see every day is the term game-changer.
But when it comes to the newly announced Sixers Fieldhouse on the Wilmington Riverfront, the term is a perfect description of the multi-million dollar project from the 76ers and Buccini/Pollin Group.
First of all, it gives the Delaware 87ers an ideal venue for the Sixers G League team. The 2,500 seat capacity will provide an intimate setting to see future NBA players.
The Carpenter Center, while comfortable, is not an ideal venue for the team, and Newark is at the western boundary of any fan base the team has built.
But the biggest impact will be on the quiet area of the riverfront along Route 13. That area has seen some development, including the surprisingly successful Shoprite supermarket.
Still, the area needed a “game-changing project” and the fieldhouse will lead to more projects. A major boost will come with a new bridge that will tie together the already thriving residential-entertainment area.
Yet another bonus will be the athletic fields on the eight-acre site that offer a number of opportunities.
Our wish list would have also included a long-rumored ice arena. Another commenter wanted an indoor track. But the economics of operating a multi-use facility would have led to compromises and potential scheduling problems.
We will see some indoor ice on the riverfront at some point.
Right now, an arena custom built for basketball and other event is perfect for the area. – Doug Rainey, publisher.
