More details have been released on a sports complex and youth training facility to be known as the “76ers Fieldhouse, Elite Youth Training Center.”
Wilmington-based Buccini/Pollin Group (BPG) and BPGS Construction (BPGS) will manage the development and construction of the facility designed by Rossetti Architects, a Detroit firm that specializes in sports facilities.
The site will be the home of the NBA G League team, the Delaware Blue Coats, formerly 87ers. The Blue Coats, owned by the Philadelphia 76ers, will play at a 2,500-seat arena in the complex.
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WHYY reported the $26 million development is being aided by a $3 million state grant and a $1 million infusion from the city of Wilmington, which will include a property tax exemption. DelawareOnline added in infrastructure improvements from the Delaware Department of Transportation to boost the government share to $6 million.
The center will be at the foot of the new Christina River Bridge that will connect both banks of the Christina Riverfront. Once completed, the facility will be managed by BPG|Sports, Buccini/Pollin’s new operating affiliate that specializes in sports facility management.
The west side of the riverfront is running out of room and developers, such as BPG are looking at the east side for apartment and other types of development.
“The Fieldhouse will be a catalyst for opportunity within the City of Wilmington, providing thousands of underserved youth with new sports programming. The programs offered within this state-of-the-art facility will make a life-long impact on each child that steps foot through the doors,” said Rob Buccini, co-president of Buccini/Pollin Group.
The facility will serve four purposes as the home of the 76ers NBA G League affiliate team, the Blue Coats, a youth sports complex designed to support the inner-city children in Wilmington; TITUS Sports Academy athletic development services, and sports medicine capabilities through Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children part of the Nemours Children’s Health System.
Steve Cavalier, general manager for BPG|Sports and the 76ers Fieldhouse is also the founder of Future Soccer Stars Foundation (FSS), a non-profit designed to provide free opportunities to local youth to play and learn life skills through soccer.
Eight non-profits are already slated to use the facility for programing including Delaware Football Club (DEFC), Delaware Rush Soccer Club, 76ers / BGCDE City Youth Basketball League, Summer Collab/ Tyler’s Camps, FSS, Champions Program, Strive Leadership, and Boys and Girls Club.
The fieldhouse will support youth athletic training sessions as well as youth basketball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, football and other sport competitions with three full-sized, professional basketball courts, two indoor turf soccer fields, a world-class sports performance and athletic training area, as well as retail and office space.
Once completed, BPG|Sports plans to provide 80-100 new part-time job opportunities. Steel work is up on the complex, which according to Delaware Online is shooting for completion by the end of this year.
For future information on field use reservations, events, and other details, visit www.76ersfieldhouse.com.
BPG| Sports is a sports management and investment company. The team, in collaboration with The Buccini/Pollin Group, provides resources to provide sports experiences.
Buccini/Pollin was involved in development efforts for the Philadelphia Union’s Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. The stadium is the home of the Philadelphia Union soccer team.
The stadium has not lived up to expectations in turning around troubled Chester, according to a piece in the Delaware Daily Times.
Buccini told DelawareOnline the smaller fieldhouse development is not struggling with the difficult economy faced by the Chester development that struggled with the recession of 2008-2009.
Unlike the largely deserted Chester waterfront that is the home of Talen Stadium, Wilmington has seen success in developing its riverfront.
