The Philadelphia 76ers are moving forward with plans for 76ers Fieldhouse, a new Wilmington, DE facility that will host NBA Gatorade League action.
Planned as part of a partnership between Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and The Buccini/Pollin Group, the 76ers Fieldhouse will be located off of U.S. Route 13 and Garasches Lane. The concept calls for the 140,000 square-foot facility to include an approximately 2,500-capacity arena that would become home to the NBA G League’s Delaware 87ers. In addition, the 76ers Fieldhouse will serve as a recreational facility that includes a trio of full-size professional basketball courts, two indoor soccer fields, and training space.
Under the current timeline, project officials plan to break ground for the 76ers Fieldhouse during the first quarter of 2018. It could begin hosting the 87ers for the 2018-19 season. More from Delaware Online:
The estimated cost is $26 million, with the city of Wilmington and state of Delaware paying a portion, though the amount has not been determined, according to Sarah Lamb of the Buccini/Pollin Group.
“We’re bringing back some hometown pride that is missing,” said Rob Buccini, co-president of the Buccini/Pollin Group with brother Chris.
Rob Buccini said he and his BPG associates, who are also part of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union ownership group, were trying to develop an indoor facility to benefit soccer and other outdoor sports such as football, lacrosse and field hockey.
“There was a huge need for this,” Chris Buccini said.
“The Philadelphia 76ers are truly the Delaware Valley’s team, and we’re fortunate to have an incredible fanbase across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware,” 76ers president of business operations Chris Heck said in a press statement. “We are thrilled to partner with BPG on 76ers Fieldhouse in Delaware to serve as home to both our NBA G League team and hundreds of youth teams and athletes each year. We’ve set out to create a facility in a city on the rise like Wilmington for our NBA G League team that furthers the 76ers’ commitment to being leaders in sports performance and athlete care.
Since making their Delaware debut in 2013, the 87ers have played their home games at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark. Pending league approval, the club could be rebranded with the move to Wilmington.
“I’m thrilled to congratulate the Philadelphia 76ers organization and HBSE on what is sure to be a best-in-class NBA G League facility,” G League president Malcolm Turner said in a statement. “It’s wonderful to see the 76ers invest not only in the continued development of young players, but also in the Delaware community through this innovative, multi-use building. I can’t wait to watch the team in action there for the 2018-19 season!”
Rendering courtesy Philadelphia 76ers.
