Atlantic City's Bold Move: 76ers Relocation Proposal Explored

Here's an idea that makes so much sense: I'll offer it up to the owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and Marty Small, Mayor of Atlantic City without charging a consultant fee.

I propose that the Philadelphia 76ers pack up, and move to Atlantic City.

Stop laughing. I have a plan.

It's been almost a year since the city chose to work with a developer to create a community centered around a Formula One racetrack.

Bader Field - Google Maps

The 2.7 billion dollar proposal called for the track, luxury condos, and retail.

It's a cute idea, but does anyone think this region would support Formula One racing?

And what about the seagulls? Can you imagine what those cars would do to a flock of seagulls on the track (the birds, not the band)?

Call me Mr. Cynical, but if the parties involved in this project were still excited about it, don't you think we'd hear something by now? Anything?

Mr. Harris knows what sports can do for a city.

One only needs to look at his NHL team, The NJ Devils to see what a community-minded sports organization can do for a city.

The Rock in Newark is an extraordinary success.

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People from Philly could hop on a NJ Transit train south. The state could add a stop near Bader Field. It's an easy trek.

Sports arenas depend on corporate sponsorship, and with our proximity to Philadelphia, this shouldn't be a problem.

Atlantic City Airport would be much easier for teams to navigate that PHL.

Think about how this could impact not just the casinos in Atlantic City, but the restaurants and other businesses would benefit as well.

The arena would also create much-needed jobs.

I don't have a cost estimate for building an arena, but The Barclay Center in Brooklyn was built for about a billion dollars.

Even at triple that amount, it would be consistent with spending that had been planned.

We hear promises of grandeur all the time when these projects are proposed, but Mr. Harris deserves props for what he and his partners have created in Newark.

An arena would also create opportunities for other events, like concerts, shows, and civic events.

An Arena at Bader would be a new shining beacon to all that Atlantic City is back...again.

Lastly, a deal like this would bring much-needed revenue to the city.

Has anyone in the city made the call to Harris?