Wilmington’s 76ers Fieldhouse officially broke ground Wednesday.
The new 76ers’ Fieldhouse in South Wilmington will be home to the 76ers’ NBA G League Team, the Delaware Blue Coats - previously the 87ers.
Besides the rebranded team, the facility will house Titus Sports Academy, the Nemours Physical Therapy Clinic, and the Future Soccer Stars Foundation—which provides free soccer programs to kids in Wilmington, says founder Steve Cavalier.
“It gives us a home now. Before, we didn’t have a home,” he said.
The 140,000 sq. ft. multi-sports complex will occupy a roughly 9-acre plot off U.S. Route 13 and Garasches Lane.
Governor John Carney says he hopes it will energize the City of Wilmington.
“We believe it will provide the kind of pride and enthusiasm that all of us will be able to ride to be a successful city,” he said.
City officials, including City Council President Hanifa Shabazz, are touting the benefits it will bring for Wilmington youth.
“Our children will be able to achieve not only the sportsmanship, but will able to touch athletes on this level right here in their own neighborhood,” said Shabazz.
The coming 140,000 sq. ft. facility off Rt. 13 was announced last fall.
It’s being built by Buccini/Pollin Group (BPG) and managed by BPG Sports.
The land was assembled by the Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC), which Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki used to lead. RDC currently owns the land, and is leasing it to BPG.
BPG officials say the company will finish purchasing the land from RDC once environmental remediation is officially completed.
BPG officials say the project is receiving $2.5 million from the state and $1 million from the city.
They expect construction to be finished in December.
Open tryouts to play on the Delaware Blue Coats are scheduled for September 1st, 8th and 15th.
