New PPL Arena Attracts Many to Allentown
In 2009, plans were announced for a new arena to be built in Allentown, Pennsylvania. After five years of waiting, the new arena, named the PPL Center, is scheduled to open in September 2014.
The arena will seat over 8,500 people for hockey games and more than 10,000 for concerts, which makes it the area’s largest event venue. Each year, the PPL Center plans to host over 140 events, including Phantoms hockey games, concerts, shows, sporting events, graduations, and more.
As far as food goes in the venue, there will be plenty of options that everyone will enjoy. The PPL Center recently announced that Chickie’s and Pete’s, who are known for their crab fries, will be open as a full restaurant inside the arena.
“I’m excited for the Chickie’s and Pete’s because it’s amazing and a perfect food to eat while watching the game,” junior Matt Long said.
On September 12, the first-ever concert at the PPL Center will take place as The Eagles take the stage as a part of their “History of the Eagles” tour. Bringing a huge band to Allentown as the first big show will be a great way to open the new facility.
Hockey fans are pleased that they will no longer have to drive all the way to Philadelphia, New York, or Newark, New Jersey to see a great hockey game.
“I love hockey and go to a couple of Flyers games a year,” technology education teacher Mr. Robert Gaugler said. “It’s a lot closer so it should be good.”
The Phantoms are the affiliate team for the Philadelphia Flyers, so fans will get to see the future Flyers players in their home town. Current NHL stars that have all previously played for the Phantoms include Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, Patrick Sharp, James van Riemsdyk, and current Flyers captain Claude Giroux.
“I’ve seen players come up through the lowest levels of hockey and make it to the NHL so you always know you’re going to see talent wherever you go,” Matt Long said.
With the opening of the arena, the current Adirondack Phantoms hockey team will relocate to Allentown and change their name to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. This will be the third city that the Phantoms will play in; they originated in Philadelphia where they played from 1996 to 2009.
To stay updated on the progress of the arena, follow the Phantoms on Twitter (@LVPhantoms). They post a construction update every Wednesday.
McKenzie Browne was part of the Spotlight Staff for four years and an editor for three. She has made a significant impact on the newspaper as editor of...