Philadelphia City Council kicked off a series of hearings on the proposed Sixers arena, planned for Market East. Officials made a full-court press while opponents continue to speak out.

Tuesday was a step in making the proposed Sixers arena a reality as City Council held its first public hearing.

If the arena project is to be approved by the end of the year — as the 76ers have requested and as Mayor Parker is aiming for ― lawmakers would have to vote it out of committee in just three weeks.

Advocates for and against the proposal to build the new 76ers arena in Center City gathered outside and inside City Hall Tuesday as the first public hearings about the proposal got underway. NBC10's Frances Wang spoke to people on both sides of the issue.

On the first of eight days of hearings about the project, legislators showed concern over disruptions at Jefferson Station and funding.

Lawmakers will hear testimony from the mayor’s administration, the Sixers, community stakeholders and the general public.

The measures were largely procedural and do little more than allow lawmakers to continue considering the project. “This project is not a ‘done deal,’ ” one member said.

Philadelphia City Council is getting ready to jump into the plans for a new Sixers arena in Market East.Council members will have eight days of public hearings before voting on the legislation needed to build the arena.

The first of two days of hearings this week on the plan for a new arena for the Sixers in Center City is set to begin in City Hall. Officials from Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration are expected to testify on Tuesday.