“It Had a Pulse Itself”

The Wachovia Spectrum will host its final basketball game Friday, March 13, 2009 marking the end of an era when the Sixers take on the Chicago Bulls.

This day in Spectrum history hosted the Boston Bruins as they took on our hometown Flyers in 1969, the Harlem Globetrotters back in 1981, a Ratt with Poison concert in 1987, and the Sixers played the Suns in 1992.

But at 7 p.m. on Friday, the court will be used for the last time.

A packed house is expected to enjoy a night of Sixers memories; including a final curtain call for sports greats like Julius Erving and Moses Malone.

Fortunately, a limited number of tickets are still available.

The Spectrum opened its doors in 1968 and has left fans and the famous with lasting memories.

Former 76ers Coach Maurice Cheeks shared his memories on Rememberthe Spectrum.com:

"It was a great place to play. Those were my years. I still think about the Spectrum when I drive to the Wachovia Center. It was a great place to play and I’m really, really going to miss it.

There was an energy there, a passion that came from the fans and spilled over into the how the players played. That was what that building was all about, almost like it had a pulse itself."

Former Sixer Charles Barkley shared his favorite moment at the arena:

"Probably the night they retired my jersey was the most special night for me, it was awesome. As a player, there is no single moment better then when an organization retires your jersey."

Billy Joel, a frequent performer at the Spectrum, shared his memories:

“Philadelphia has always been the most generous and supportive city for us for almost 40 years. And some of the most wonderful moments we've ever experienced onstage happened at the Spectrum. I have great memories of the way the audience there welcomed us - as if we were old friends or family.

It was like coming home. I'm sorry to hear that they're closing her down, but I'll never forget the excitement of playing there. I can still hear the roar of those crowds ringing in my ears. Thank you for all those terrific years."

The Spectrum brought fans together through music, through sports, through wild enthusiasm.

Those rowdy crowds will only be heard in fans’ memories, once the complex is torn down at the end of this year for a retail and restaurant complex.

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