Like an inmate awaiting his death sentence, the Wachovia Spectrum sits idly where it has for the past 41 years at the corner of Broad Street and Pattison Avenue in South Philadelphia.

Come autumn, however, it will be alive and as vibrant as ever. That's because the building will celebrate its 42nd birthday in grand style, with a year-long honorarium as fans and players alike will pay tribute to what was once known as "America's Showplace."

That's quite appropriate, since it won't live to see birthday No. 43.