Today's announcement leaves many questions unanswered. Topmost in the minds of most reporters in attendance was the future of the Wachovia Spectrum which has graced its location since 1967 and of which many locals have fond memories. One possibility, and if the conceptual art unveiled today gives any hint, is that the Spectrum may be demolished and replaced by a hotel anchoring one end of Philly Live!
In conjunction with questions about the future of the Wachovia Spectrum are questions as to the future home of the various teams and events currently hosted in the Spectrum. These include home games of the Philadelphia Kixx indoor soccer team and Philadelphia Phantoms minor league hockey team as well as annual events such as the Heroes Thrill Show, Monster Jam, Ringling Brothers Circus and Sesame Street Live.
One thing clear in the press conference was the fondness that Ed Snider retains for the Spectrum which he repeatedly referred to as his "baby" and once known as "America's Showplace." One gets the impression that any decision to demolish the Spectrum will have to show a very strong positive for what replaces it.
Snider indicated that Comcast-Spectacor obtained the rights to develop the property when it built the Wachovia Center. While standard permits must be obtained, a major hurdle in the way of development was resolved years ago.
