The End Of Era For The Spectrum And The Aud

Despite the legacy the two venues have, it has been officially declared to sports fans that both the Wachovia Spectrum and the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium will be demolished.

Source: About.com: Philadelphia

The sports world recently found out last week that the Wachovia Spectrum in Philadelphia will be torn down after the 2008/2009 hockey season. Comcast-Spectator officials announced the demolishing will take place to make room for a proposed hotel, retail and entertainment complex at the Broad Street and Pattison Avenue site.

The Wachovia Spectrum was first opened in 1967 as “The Spectrum”. Since then, it has been the home of many great teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL (1967-1996) and the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA (1967-1996). It has also held numerous events, like six NHL Stanley Cup Finals, two NHL All-Star Games and two NBA All-Star Games.

To commemorate the final season of The Spectrum, the Philadelphia Phantoms of the AHL will be wearing special patches on their uniforms.

Despite its demise being known for quite some time, the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium will be officially torn down in October. In its place will be a planned 125,000 square-foot Outdoor World store from Bass Pro Shops.

Source: Staff Announcer

The indoor area opened in 1940 and provided a home to many different sports teams. The Buffalo Sabres of the NHL played there from 1970-1996. The Aud also held numerous NCAA basketball games as well as entertainment acts such as the Ringling Brothers Circus and Disney on Ice.