Philly Spectrum hosts last NBA game against Bulls after 42 years

Posted March 12, 2009 11:00 pm

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia's Spectrum is hosting its final big league game after more than four decades of hockey and basketball drama and concert thrills.

The 76ers host the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. But first the crowd will get a chance to cheer Julius Erving and other members of the Sixers' 1982-83 NBA championship team being introduced before the game.

The Spectrum opened in 1967 as home of the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Flyers won their first Stanley Cup championship there in 1974.

The arena also rocked to countless concerts including a 95-minute show by The Doors that was later released as an album, and 53 Grateful Dead extravaganzas. The Spectrum is being demolished later this year to make way for a new hotel, entertainment and retail complex.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.