Trotters To Play On Spectrum Roof

Yes, it’s true. Tuesday, March 3, at 2:30 p.m…. The Harlem Globetrotters will play on the freaking roof of the Spectrum. (They probably won’t bring Scooby-Doo with them, but who knows!)

I still haven’t figured out (1) how this is going to work, (2) if you’re going to be able to buy tickets and attend — actually, this is a no — (3) if strong winds could force cancelation — probably a yes — or (4) if there is a danger of the game being canceled after the ball goes out of bounds and off the Spectrum roof.

The Globetrotters have put out a press release about their game/performance/whatever, but it’s just another announcement. But I did learn, from this other Globetrotters press release, about all the celebrities who have attended games this tour!

Other entertainment and sports icons took in the Globetrotters during the record-breaking President’s Day Weekend, including David Duchovny and Harry Connick, Jr. at Madison Square Garden, Jon Bon Jovi and New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, and Vivica Fox and Hall of Fame pitcher Don Sutton at the Globetrotters’ first ever show at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Ooh, Psychic Friends Network host Vivica Fox and Hall of Famer Don Sutton!

But back to the roof game. I was actually thinking this: Comcast-Spectacor needs a few more months out of the building before it’s demolished, and the roof — part of which blew off in 1968, only briefly after the place opened — is a little shaky… what better way to make sure it stays down for the final events at The Spectrum than by having a bunch of basketball players stomp on it for an afternoon?

Harlem Globetrotters to play on roof of Spectrum [The 700 Level]

A New Year’s Eve Spectrum Implosion?

Now here’s an idea that we can all get behind: The Spectrum might be imploded on New Year’s Eve!

Yes, that’s right, the Spectrum might be imploded on New Year’s Eve. I don’t see any reason this couldn’t be the best thing to ever happen in this city, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of Larry Fine.

In the Daily News article, Ed Snider talks about the possibility this thing will be delayed. But, he says, it will go forward.

“We don’t actually have the permits we need yet, but we’re moving forward and the city is being cooperative,” Snider said. “Eventually, they will happen. But none of us are immune to the economic issues. And when you see what is happening to banks and [their reluctance to] lend money, that’s not our issue, that’s The Cordish Company’s issue. They’re the ones building the whole thing and taking the big risk. But I don’t think you could finance this tomorrow. Will you be able to finance it when we’re ready to tear this place down? Who knows what’s going to happen between now and then?

“The economy is an issue for everyone. Hotels are hurting. Retail is hurting. If you could wave a magic wand and have the whole thing here tomorrow morning, would you want it here tomorrow? You want to open when the timing is correct. The project is going to happen,” Snider said. “But the timing of the project is dependent on the economy.”

Oh, man, know what would make this even better? If there are Mummers inside when the Spectrum is imploded.

Photo by Colleen McNeil used under a Creative Commons license