Building A Memory: The Spectrum - "America's Showplace" (2009)

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Aired in 2009 from NBC Sports Philadelphia. Memories of the iconic Spectrum in South Philadelphia. Appearances from Ed Synder, Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, Jerry Blavat, Joe Frazier, Kobe Bryant and more. It was the home of the Philadelphia Flyers and Sixers. Hosted 1000's of various events from Boxing, the circus, Monster Truck Shows, to countless incredible concerts.

The final event at The Spectrum was October 31, 2009 - a 4 night run by Pearl Jam. (That final concert, the band performed 103 songs)

Gutting the building, removing seats, scoreboard began in late 2010, followed by it's demolition by a wrecking ball in early 2011. The most gutwreching part was Feb. 14 2011 when the massive power jackhammer hitting the east end pillar of the now shell of an arena finally cut through and over 50% of the building fell. The remaining section was leveled in the following days, by early March 2011, it was a dirt field.

Plans for a huge entertainment complex was in the works for this area, but fell through - with the exception of "Xfinity Live" now located on the NW corner of Pattison Ave and 11th St..

In 2016, an "E Sports" arena was proposed, this has stalled as well. Feb. 2023, 12 years since The Spectrum was completely torn down, this space is still simply a parking lot.