Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex
| Company type | Sports facility |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports |
| Founded | September 2016 |
| Headquarters | Camden , United States |
Area served | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Owner | Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment |
The Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex is a 125,000-square-foot facility combining athletic and office spaces, situated in Camden, New Jersey. It serves as the training headquarters and administrative offices for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association. Since its inauguration in September 2016, the complex has been operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Some critics contend that the development exemplifies expensive corporate subsidies, pointing to substantial public incentives used to secure the team's relocation to Camden.
History
Prior to establishing this complex, the 76ers conducted their practices at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine located in Philadelphia’s Wynnefield Heights area, while their business operations were housed at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in South Philadelphia.
Although a site at the Philadelphia Naval Yard was initially under consideration, developer AthenianRazak recommended Camden as a preferable location due to New Jersey’s Grow NJ tax credit initiative. The team had initially planned a smaller 55,000-square-foot facility within Camden’s Navy Yard, with cost estimates between $20 and $25 million; however, those plans were ultimately discarded. Instead, the organization purchased land on the Camden Waterfront and commenced construction in 2015. The project was supported by an $82 million tax credit from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, helping to establish what was marketed as one of the country’s top NBA training centers.
Controversy
The facility was championed as a key driver for revitalizing Camden—a city facing a poverty rate of 39.5%—by generating employment opportunities for local residents and enhancing the neighborhood. Nevertheless, by 2023, only 11 out of the 275 individuals employed at the complex were Camden inhabitants.
Situated next to the Mickle Towers housing development, the surrounding area continues to struggle economically, characterized by vacant properties and inadequate infrastructure despite earlier commitments to rejuvenate it. A community member expressed dissatisfaction with the Sixers for failing to support neighborhood maintenance despite benefiting from tax incentives linked to their relocation.
Funding for the complex included $82 million in tax incentives provided by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority and the Grow NJ program.
Features
This facility boasts two full-sized NBA basketball courts equipped with 12 hoops accessible around the clock for players and coaching staff. Amenities include an on-site dining establishment offering a comprehensive menu and a private balcony, dedicated film and media rooms, a spacious 2,800-square-foot locker room, and state-of-the-art performance, wellness, and recovery facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool, fitness center, rehabilitation area, and specialized conference rooms. Previously shared with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, it now ranks among the largest and most technologically advanced NBA practice venues.
Notable features
- Two basketball courts featuring 10 hoops
- Dining area and cafeteria
- Swimming pool holding 9,000 gallons plus two hot tubs
- Locker room spanning 2,800 square feet
- Weight and training facility covering 6,000 square feet
- Five meeting rooms
- Film room with seating for 25 across 3,000 square feet
- Over 100,000 square feet designated for office use
- Media and interview room for players/coaches measuring 9,000 square feet
- Recording studio