Spectrum (arena) Park
Former Philadelphia arena and historic sports venue
Former sports and concert arena in Philadelphia, once home to professional hockey and basketball teams and major concerts. The Spectrum closed and was demolished in the 2010s; it's remembered for landmark events.
Spectrum (arena) at a Glance#
Hours: No public access - arena has been demolished
About Spectrum (arena)#
The Spectrum was an indoor arena in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that operated as a major venue for professional sports, concerts and large public events. It was a central part of the city’s sports and entertainment infrastructure for several decades.
The arena hosted the city’s National Hockey League and National Basketball Association teams at various times, toured concert shows and a wide range of sporting and entertainment events. Over its operational life it became a well-known venue in the Philadelphia area.
The Spectrum opened in the late 1960s and was retired from regular use in the early 21st century as newer facilities replaced it; the building was later demolished. The site sits within the South Philadelphia sports complex near other major sports venues.
- Opening date: Opened in 1967 as a multi-purpose indoor arena in South Philadelphia and served as the city’s primary indoor concert and sports venue for several decades.
- Closure and demolition: Closed to the public in 2009 and subsequently demolished; the site was part of the larger South Philadelphia sports complex that includes newer arenas.
How to Get to Spectrum (arena)#
The Spectrum (the former arena) stood in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex on South Broad Street. Use SEPTA’s Broad Street Line to the NRG/AT&T Station (Sports Complex) and follow pedestrian routes through the complex - the arena site is a short walk from that station. Regional rail and SEPTA bus services also serve the sports complex.
By car, reach the sports complex via South Broad Street (PA-611) from central Philadelphia; ample event parking and wayfinding is provided around the complex.
Tips for Visiting Spectrum (arena)#
- The Spectrum arena was demolished in 2011; the site no longer contains the original building, so visiting for the arena itself isn't possible.
- If you're interested in Philadelphia sports and entertainment history, visit nearby venues in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex (Wells Fargo Center, Citizens Bank Park) and the sports museum exhibits that cover the Spectrum's history.
- Look for plaques, memorials or local exhibits about the Spectrum in the area or at local sports museums rather than expecting on-site interpretation where the arena once stood.
Best Time to Visit Spectrum (arena)#
This was a former indoor arena that has been closed and demolished-consult current Philadelphia venues for event visits.
Weather & Climate near Spectrum (arena)#
Spectrum (arena)'s climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1118 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -4° - 5° | -4° | 89 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 6° | -2° | 71 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 1° - 11° | 3° | 99 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 6° - 17° | 12° | 95 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 11° - 23° | 17° | 104 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 16° - 28° | 22° | 90 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 19° - 31° | 25° | 112 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 19° - 30° | 24° | 108 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 15° - 26° | 20° | 98 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 8° - 20° | 14° | 76 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 3° - 13° | 6° | 87 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -2° - 8° | 0° | 89 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
