Sixers Win in Last Game at Spectrum

I just got back from the Spectrum to watch the Sixers play their last game there before it is knocked down. It is an historic moment in Philadelphia sports because the Spectrum hosted the Sixers and Flyers for many years. Although, they no longer play their, both team's championships have come there. Many former Sixers were there including Julius "Dr. J" Erving and Moses Malone.

The Sixers ended up winning the game 104-101 over the Chicago Bulls. It was a hard fought game for the Sixers and they deserved to win. Thaddeus Young played a terrific game, scoring 31 points. He is really progressing for a player only in his sophomore season in the NBA. Another good, young player, Marreese Speights, added 10 off the bench for the Sixers. I think these two players will soon be the face of the Sixers.

Before the game, Dr. J made a nice speech, basically thanking all of the Sixer fans. It was a nice token from a guy who has become an icon in this city. When they announcing the former players there, the Doc's cheers were probably twice as loud. It was a special moment for all Sixers fans.

I am very happy I attended the game. I (along with many other Philly fans) have made many memories at the Spectrum. No, it's not as big or convenient as the Center, but it sure does get a heck of a lot louder in there. The floor is sticky and the hallways are cramped (forget about leg room), but the Spectrum will always be "America's Showplace."

The reason they are blowing up the Spectrum? It's to build a hotel combined with a mall. I don't know where they are going to get the money for that but that's the plan. And, quite frankly, it's a waste of a stadium. Who needs more hotels or malls? I would much rather have the Spectrum.

Farewell Spectrum

It was announced today that the Spectrum will be torn down in 2009.  The Spectrum, one of the oldest arenas in Philly, used to house the Flyers and the Sixers.  The Flyers and Sixers moved out in 1994.  The Spectrum now houses the Phantoms (minor league hockey), Kixx (indoor soccer), and Wings (indoor lacrosse).  

The Spectrum has seen some of the biggest moments in Philly sports history.  The Flyers won two Stanley Cups there.  The Sixers also won two world championships while playing in the Spectrum.  The Flyers beat the "best team in the world" Soviet Central Red Army 4-1 in a memorable game in 1976.  

The Broad Street Bullies hockey team rattled the boards at the Spectrum.  Julius Erving rattled the rim for the Sixers.  Several important NCAA tournament games have been played at the Spectrum.  The Grateful Dead held 53 concerts at the Spectrum.

In place of the Spectrum, there will be an entertainment complex and possibly a hotel.  For those who don't know: all of the Philadelphia professional sports arenas/stadiums are in the same place in south Philly along Broad Street.  I do not know why they are building a entertainment complex.  I thought the sports are the entertainment.  Make that were the entertainment.

This is another example of how sports are not the main event at sporting venues.  When you went to the Spectrum, you went to see sports.  There were no ands, ifs, or buts about it.  It is a cramped arena.  You didn't go to have a nice time with the family or to eat at a restaurant or play games at the game.  The Spectrum was built to watch sports.  Stadiums built today are more about making as much money as you can while still showing a sporting event.

We will miss you Spectrum, with your lack of leg room and sticky floors.  We will know that you are from a dying kind.