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.

City Council on Wednesday evening postponed a committee vote on the 76ers’ proposal to build an arena in Center City, leaving just hours to go before a key legislative deadline.