PHILADELPHIA , Pa – Allentown Pa might be turning into a ghost town. The state of Pennsylvania’s third largest city has emerged as the frontrunner to land the Philadelphia Flyers AHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms, but only if the city approves funding for new arena that will hold anywhere between 7-10 thousand fans.
At a news conference last week, the Phantoms new owners, The Brooks Group, which is based in Wheeling, W.V., and also own the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers, expressed their desire to move to Allentown, but even if funding is approved, a new arena might not come to Allentown for at least another 2-3 years.
In another development, The Phantoms might have a temporary home in Glens Falls, New York. A decision on if the Phantoms will play there might come as early as the end of this week. Making major improvements to the current locker rooms are just part of the things that are needed for the Phantoms to move there for next season.
One major stumbling block for the team to move anywhere is Comcast-Spectacor’s reluctance to help fit the bill for a new arena, but they are willing to run the new arena.
At a press conference last Thursday, new team owners Rob and Jim Brooks set an August 1 deadline with Allentown to build a new arena. Regardless of what happens, the Phantoms might go dormant until a new city can be found to house a new team. The Dallas Stars are currently in the same situation and have their prospects spread across the AHL.
Reading , Pa, which is less than an hour away from Philadelphia, is a possibility to house the Phantoms should Allentown not get an approval for a new arena. Reading currently houses the Reading Royals ECHL franchise, but would be willing to move up to the AHL even if it is just for 3 seasons until a new arena can be built in Allentown.
However, the arena in Glens Falls is preferable to the Phantoms, only because Comcast currently runs the arena despite being over 3 hours away from Philadelphia, and Voorhees, NJ where the Phantoms share the same practice facility as the Flyers. The Sovereign Center in Reading is run by Comcast-Spectacor rival, AEG/SMG.
To see last weeks press conference go to the following link: Press Conference.
Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
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