The Philadelphia 76ers today announced they will locate a new 120,000 square foot Training Center along the revitalized Camden waterfront in New Jersey, situated near popular tourist attractions that include the Adventure Aquarium and Campbell’s Field. The team expects to break ground on the new facility this October.

The Sixers finished with a awful 19-63 record this past season and are in a rebuilding phase, while Camden has an extremely negative reputation due to violent crime. Both entities are focused on improvement. This sounds like a positive move for everyone involved.

The decision comes following the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) unanimously approving an incentive package that is integral to the decision to locate the largest and most advanced facility in the league – which will house the team’s basketball and business operations staffs – along the New Jersey waterfront.

“Today marks another significant step toward making the Philadelphia 76ers a premier destination for the best players and executives in the league,” said Sixers Managing Owner Josh Harris. “We are committed to building an elite team and a top priority in pursuit of that goal is the new Training Center, one which will define our culture and is befitting of an organization that strives for excellence in every area.”

“It is imperative we are able to provide our players, coaches and staff with the resources necessary for success,” said Sixers co-Managing Owner David Blitzer. “This facility – the size and scope of which will be unmatched in the NBA – will allow our team to make great strides on and off the court as we work to join the league's elite.”

“This marks the culmination of an exhaustive and collaborative effort, which would not have been feasible without the New Jersey Economic Development Authority incentive package,” said Sixers Chief Executive Officer Scott O’Neil. “The new 76ers Training Center speaks volumes about the vision and commitment of our ownership group, led by Josh Harris and David Blitzer. I would like to recognize and offer a special thanks to Mayor Dana Redd, the EDA and Coopers Ferry Partnership for their tireless efforts and assistance in making this project a reality. We are focused on improving every facet of the organization and this is a big step on that journey.”

“Our commitment to player development will shine through in this facility,” said Sixers President of Basketball Operations & General Manager Sam Hinkie. “Our goal is to provide our players and staff with a Training Center that fosters development, encourages hard work, and allows for innovation.”

The firms involved in the Training Center project include AthenianRazak, a Philadelphia-based real estate services company, which will serve as the Development Manager for the project. In this role, they will assist with the process of designing and erecting the facility, which includes obtaining required approvals and permits, assembling and coordinating a team of design professionals, contractors and other consultants for the project, managing cash flow and financing sources, overseeing the detailed hands-on management of the construction process and helping the Sixers prepare the facility for efficient acceptance and operation.

Also involved in the project is INTECH Construction, a Philadelphia-based contractor, which will serve as the project’s Construction Manager, and architecture and engineering provided by Jacobs Global Buildings Design as the architect of record, along with nationally recognized architecture firm Threesixty Architecture as the consulting design architect.