‘Philly Live!’ Plans Unveiled, Spectrum Fate Still Uncertain
Courtesy arnoldimaging.com
A 240,000 square foot entertainment complex is in the works for the sports complex in South Philly. Although they won’t break ground until at least next year, the prospect of more retail and dining opportunities near the stadiums has the city a buzz. The artist’s rendering of the complex shows a hotel with residential condos in the space where the Spectrum currently sits. It is still uncertain however if the Spectrum will need to be torn down in order to go through with the plan.
Comcast-Spectacor chairman Ed Snider said they will continue to do a study on the area and see if it will be necessary to demolish the 41 year old stadium.
“It’s my baby,” he told reporters.
The results of the study are to be expected in no longer than a month. The Spectrum was home to the Flyers and Sixers until the Wachovia Center was built in 1996. The Spectrum is still home to the AHL affiliate Phantoms, the Kixx soccer team along with various concerts.
The Cordish Group will develop the project which is expected to bring 3,000 – 4,000 new jobs to the city. The project will be privately funded and will not use the city’s money.
I love the Spectrum and will miss it a lot, but this just looks awesome.
This is just speculation, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they plan on putting slots there.