Comcast-Spectacor, owner of the Philadelphia Phantoms, announced in January of their intentions to build a new entertainment complex on the grounds currently occupied by the Wachovia Spectrum, home of the Phantoms.

The plans call for the addition retail shops, condominiums, restaurants, small music venues, and a movie theater. The multi-million dollar, 300,000 square foot complex would be located between the Spectrum and Wachovia Arena.

Ed Snider, Chairman of Comcast-Spectacor, hasn’t officially announced that the Spectrum would be torn down, but all drawings released of the new “Philly Live!” don’t include the Spectrum.

Peter Luukko, president and chief operating officer of Comcast-Spectacor, sounds more adamant that the 42-year old Spectrum would come down.

"If the plans were to include what we're calling a trendy hotel, the Spectrum would have to go," Luukko said.

The Phantoms began playing in the Wachovia Spectrum in 1996, and have spent their entire 12 years at the Spectrum. After the Wachovia Area was built, the Philadelphia Flyers moved their minor league affiliate from Hershey to Philadelphia.

The Phantoms have enjoyed a lot of success at the Spectrum. They won their first division title during their inaugural season in 1996-97. The Phantoms also captured division titles in 1997-98, 1998-99, and 2004-04. They are on pace to capture their fifth division title this season.

In addition to their four division titles, the Phantoms have won two Calder Cup Championships. In 1998, the Phantoms defeated the Saint John Flames for their first Calder Cup, and brought the Cup back to Philadelphia in 2005 while sweeping the Chicago Wolves.

In 12 years of play in South Philadelphia, the Phantoms have only suffered two losing seasons, and have missed the playoffs only three times.

If the Spectrum is demolished, that leaves one question unanswered. Where would the Phantoms move to? Several different scenarios have been mentioned, but nothing has been set in stone. Inside Hockey will now take a look at the possible options for the Phantoms.

Option 1 – Playing at Wachovia Arena

This seems like a perfect option for the Phantoms and their fans, but the Wachovia Arena already hosts the Flyers and NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers. Therefore, the schedule wouldn’t allow for another professional team to play in the arena. The odds of this happening are pretty much zero percent.

Option 2 – Playing at Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton, New Jersey

This is a very real possibility for the Phantoms and Flyers, but it would require a little help from the New Jersey Devils. The Devils ECHL affiliate Trenton Devils currently play at Sovereign Bank Arena. Trenton is only a 33 mile drive from Philadelphia, and the Phantoms wouldn’t lose a lot of their fan base.

If the Phantoms were to move to Trenton, The New Jersey Devils could possibly move their ECHL affiliate to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Atlantic City has as open arena which was vacated when the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies moved to Stockton, California after the 2005 season.

The odds of the Phantoms moving to Trenton are 50-50.

Option 3 – Playing at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey

This is probably the most realistic option the Phantoms would have if they needed to move. Boardwalk Hall, which seats 6,979, was vacated when the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies moved to Stockton, California.

Atlantic City is only 62 miles from downtown Philadelphia, and would allow for same day recalls if needed. The Phantoms would lose some of their fan base because of the drive, but most will still attend. Atlantic City would be enticed about having an AHL team.

This is the most logical choice should the Phantoms need to relocate, but some are skeptic if the team could draw in Atlantic City.

Other possible options that are less likely have the Phantoms moving to Reading, Pa and play in the Sovereign Center. The Sovereign Center is currently occupied by the ECHL’s Reading Royals.

Another highly unlikely possibility is reuniting with the Hershey Bears. The Bears are currently affiliated with the Washington Capitals, but as we’ve seen in recent history, affiliations can change quite frequently.

It’s expected that if the Wachovia Spectrum is demolished, it won’t happen for at least another year. That means the Phantoms final season in Philadelphia would be 2008-09.