Philadelphia lawmakers gave initial approval to the Sixers' $1.3 billion downtown arena project a day after delaying a vote to negotiate a better community benefits package. Why it matters: It's expected to be smooth sailing from here.

Protests will be underway Thursday after bills that would allow the Philadelphia 76ers to build a new $1.3 billion arena in Center City were passed out of committee Thursday, including a $60 million community benefits agreement.

Philadelphia's City Council voted and approved of the Sixers' plan to build a new arena in Center City after delaying the vote twice the previous day.