Beginning in the 1920s, the armory housed the 103rd Engineering Battalion of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, a historic unit tracing back to the American Revolution.

The armory also served as a concert venue, hosting acts such as Nirvana, The Notorious B.I.G., Run-DMC, and Snoop Dogg.

The center was named after former United States Senator Arlen Specter, who was an avid squash player during his tenure in Congress.

[5] The annual homecoming dance concert was held at the former armory during the last week of January each year from 2009 to 2014.

The Spring Jam was performed at the former armory until it was relocated to Lot F, an open parking area on Drexel's campus between Main Building and 31st Street, beginning in 2011.