Pro and anti-arena groups clash inside and outside City Hall

Crowds of activists in red “No Arena” shirts and union workers holding giant signs reading “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs” gathered on the sidewalk in front of City Hall Thursday morning, before entering invoices proposing to build a new $1.55 billion Sixers arena between Philly’s Chinatown and Washington Square West neighborhoods.

Chants of “No Arena!” rang out between the activists’ megaphone speeches. Their sound was sometimes punctuated by competing chants of “Build it!” from the union members, who had a Dunkin Donuts table set up nearby.

arena plans, strongly supported by Mayor Cherelle Parkerhave led to a growing coalition of activist groups voicing their opposition.

Those in favor of construction include the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, an influential umbrella group representing more than 50 unions, and the group Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity. Supporters say the project would act as a citywide economic boost, creating hundreds of jobs and millions in revenue. They also stress the priority of keeping the Sixers’ home arena in Philly rather than letting them set up shop in Camden, N.J., or even Wilmington, Del., both of which have at times put their respective hats in ring to host the team. .