The following story is true.
On Wednesday, while waiting for the light at Broad and Spruce to change, I overheard the following conversation. (Admittedly, it is paraphrased).
Man #1: That's the Kimball Center.
Man #2: What is it? A library?
(Keep in mind the giant lettering on the side of the building identifying the building as the KIMMEL CENTER for the PERFORMING ARTS).
Man #1: No. I think it's the new stadium for the basketball team?
Man #2: Oh yeah, that makes sense, because the Sixers have that guy Kimball.
Then the light changed and I had to leave had to leave before learning any more about the place I have worked for the past three years (which I had previously thought was a performing arts center.)
If anyone knows more about this, could you let me know, because as much as I've been enjoying the music that has filled Verizon Hall and Perelman Theater over the years, what I REALLY want is to watch Kimball (whoever HE is) dunk over Kobe Bryant in Commonwealth Plaza.
The only ballplayer I know named Kimball is Bo Kimball....and he doesn't play anymore. I gave him a call anyway, and he said the Harlem Globetrotters' tour of major performing arts venues had been cancelled....so this conversation makes NO sense!
I did hear, however, that the Sydney Opera House is hosting the Stanley Cup Playoffs next season.
I m not too surprised about the mis-nomenclature of the Kimmel Center versus the Kimbal (various other spellings).
I am getting tired of correcting the people so maybe we should rename the building.
I spent about 2 1/2 years working at the "Kimball" Center (from prior to opening until last July). My entire working life was spent explaining to people what it was, where it was, and why it was there. And these are people FROM the City. When I broke it down to "It's where the Philadelphia Orchestra plays" - most people responded "Oh, you mean the Academy of Music."
Yeah, that's exactly what I mean. Ugh.
maybe it should be called the PECO CENTER. cut down on those A/C bills... I keed, I keed!