The NBA released its 2008-09 schedule yesterday, and along with it the Sixers announced an interesting subplot.
On March 13, 2009 the Sixers will host the Chicago Bulls, but it will not be played in their usual home at the Wachovia Center. For one potentially magical night, the Sixers will move across the street and play a final game at the Wachovia Spectrum, the place that they called home for almost 30 years.
The Sixers played their final home game at the Spectrum at the conclusion of the 1995-96 season before moving into the newly built Wachovia Center in October of 1996. The Flyers followed as well. The Spectrum has since been used by Indoor Soccer, Minor League Hockey, as well as many kids related concerts and events.
It was officially announced last month that the Spectrum would be condemned in the Spring of 2009 to pave the way for a major real estate project that would include restaurants and shops in order to attract more people to the area.
There are many fond memories of the Spectrum for the Sixers, with their '82-'83 championship season being the best. Sixers Chairman Ed Snider adds, "In this, the last year of the Spectrum, we're thrilled to bring the Sixers back home to play one more time in the Spectrum. This night is designed for our fans to relive the great Sixers memories there and for those fans who were never able to see them play at the Spectrum."
As for the rest of the Sixers' schedule, they will open up their season at home on October 29 vs the Raptors, kicking off the Elton Brand era.
Allen Iverson will make his second return back to Philly on February 18.
As for National TV appearances, the Sixers will appear on TNT for visits to Orlando on November 6 and Chicago on April 9, as well as a home game against the NBA Champion Celtics on April 14. They'll also appear on ESPN for four home games against Orlando (Nov. 26), Cleveland (Dec. 10), Denver (Feb. 18), Detroit (April 4).
Their last seven games of the season could be brutal, as five will be on the road, with the two home games being against the Cavs and Celtics.
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2 months ago
I'm surprised that any Clippers' games aren't nationally televised with Brand's games against his former team!
from 2 months ago
that's a good point, but then again, is a "national" audience going to be that interested in that matchup?
I don't think Brand attracts the same presence as bigger stars in the league.
from 2 months ago
No, but that way it would be reached from coast to coast! but i guess the two local networks would carry it!
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