The Spectrum – for 43 years-
housed Philadelphia’s cheers.
“America’s Showplace”
was the concrete face
that embodied opposing teams’ fears.
With Bobby Clarke and Dr. J,
Flyers and Sixers paved the way
of the city’s success,
becoming the best
in the Spectrum, where they loved to play.
There was the Cup clinching in ’74
and the Soviets walking out the door.
There was ’87′s Game 6
and Hextall swinging sticks
highlighting the Flyers’ Spectrum tour.
There was Dr. J’s famous hook
and Mo Cheeks’ celebratory look.
Darryll Dawkins broke backboards
and Sir Charles earned rewards
in the Sixers’ Spectrum memory book.
Outside of Philadelphia sports,
the arena had moments of other sorts.
Duke’s buzzer beater shocked
and countless concerts rocked
the arena no one could sell short.
Today, the Spectrum was razed,
a Philly sports icon at the end of its days.
But the talk of the town
remains stories passed down
of a building that – for decades – amazed.
