Sixers to build 140,000-square-foot complex in Wilmington

The 76ers say they are building a state-of-the-art, multipurpose sports and youth training complex in Wilmington.

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which oversees the Sixers organization, and the Buccini/Pollin Group announced Wednesday morning their partnership to create 76ers Fieldhouse on 8.9 acres of land off U.S. Route 13 and Garasches Lane. BPG is a private real estate acquisition, development and management company based in Wilmington.

The fieldhouse is scheduled to open late in 2018. The 140,000-square-foot complex will serve as home for the Sixers' NBA G League affiliate, the Delaware 87ers, beginning next season. The 87ers' court will be configured to host around 2,500 fans.

In all, the facility will have three full-size basketball courts, two indoor soccer fields, a sports performance and athletic training area, and retail and office space. The plan is to host high school, AAU and travel-team games and camps at the venue.

"The No. 1 priority was to do something that was great for the 76ers and great for the brand of the 76ers," said Chris Heck, the Sixers' president of business operations. "But to extend that, to be able to make this a passion product as well for the kids in the community is really enjoyable."

The fieldhouse has been in the works for nine months. At the time, the Sixers were looking for a new location for the Sevens. The team's lease to practice and play at the University of Delaware's Bob Carpenter Center in Newark concludes after this season.