So ladies, Wednesday night marks another milestone in the history of Philadelphia sports. Or so I’m told. Villanova is hosting Pitt on Wednesday night, in what will be the last ever college basketball game at Philadelphia’s legendary Spectrum. The old arena, which opened in 1967, will be demolished next year to make way for a new entertainment complex and hotel. But, here’s what I don’t get… who cares?
When they knock down an old Nordstrom’s to build a brand new one with nice lighting, plush carpeting, and luxurious wood paneling, do you hear me reminiscing about all the good times I had in the old one? Didn’t think so…I mean, a more modern shopping experience, what girl wouldn’t want it? Guys are just strange with these things… most of them wouldn’t cry at an emotional family wedding or a movie like Steel Magnolias, yet put them in the Spectrum on a Wednesday night in January and there will be onions everywhere.
Doesn't look like anything special, right?
Anyway, while you’re watching #21 Villanova and #3 Pitt battle it out tomorrow night, you can impress the guy in your life with your formidable knowledge of Spectrum college basketball history. Here’s a couple of tidbits for you:
- The Spectrum hosted what many people consider the greatest college basketball game ever played: Duke 104, Kentucky 103, in the 1992 NCAA Tournament East Regional Final… remember when Christian Laettner was every girls dream? Remember when he caught that incredible full court inbounds pass from Thomas Hill, then spun at the free throw line to hit the jumper with no time left on the clock? OK…I don’t remember this at all, but my husband told me all about it and some of you may remember…nice name though…That was at the Spectrum.
- Two Final Fours were played at the Spectrum, and get this… both of them were won by the same team! Indiana won the NCAA Tournament at the Spectrum in both 1976 and 1981, under coach Bobby Knight. I’m pretty sure he is a tough coach…that is something that would make ME cry (LOL).
Philadelphia is a city that loves its college basketball, and although it won’t be the last event in the old building, it will be a sad day for many who hate that it was ever replaced by the Wachovia Center (I guess the soon to be Wells Fargo Center???) across the parking lot. A lot of history in the building I guess, but this girl still doesn’t get the nostalgia…I mean I did see the Harlem Globetrotters there and a few Disney on Ice type events as a kid, but just not getting it….give me the nice new Nordstrom’s (marble flooring, 360 degree mirrors and automatic papertowel dispensers)! Look out for a lot more Spectrum info when the Sixers play their last game there in March, use your fun facts wisely!
-sportsgirl
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