The Spectrum, stalwart Philly arena, to be razed

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Demolition is scheduled to begin on a Philadelphia arena that hosted more than 40 years of professional sports and entertainment.

A wrecking ball is set to strike the Spectrum around noon today. Many spectators are expected to watch the arena’s demise, including some of the sports legends who played there.

The Spectrum is the former home of the Flyers and 76ers. The teams long ago moved to a more modern facility next door now known as the Wells Fargo Center.

However, the Spectrum continued to host entertainment events and minor league hockey until last year. The rock group Pearl Jam played the last show there on Oct. 31, 2009.

The arena is being demolished to make way for a retail, restaurant and entertainment complex.