Philadelphia Union Video

Oh Happy Day!

Just our friendly reminder that today is the big day people! Get out to the new stadium site by 2:30 PM to see the official ground-breaking ceremony. This is a big day in the history of the Philadelphia 2010 team and everyone should look to be a part of it. Look out for the Midfielders and the SoB doing some tailgating in the parking lot!

Ground-Breaking Ceremony Scheduled!

It is official people! The ground-breaking ceremony for the new MLS stadium for the new Philadelphia team will be on Monday, December 1st, at 2:30 PM. MLS Commissioner Don Garber will join front office members to officially break ground on the new stadium site in Chester. All supporters and residents are encouraged to attend. The address of the new stadium is:

MLS Philadelphia 2010 Stadium Site

2501 Seaport Drive

Chester, PA 19013

SoB members will be gathering at 2:00 PM to “tailgate” and gather donations for the ‘Help Kick Cancer’ charity fund. Remember, the team is matching up to $500 in donations. Be sure to come out to enjoy and support the new team.

Update: Nick Sakiewicz Chat

Philadelphia team owner Nick Sakiewicz held a hour and a half chat with Sons of Ben members on the current state of the team. Here are the important parts:

1. Stadium – The team will break ground on the new Chester Stadium sometime this fall, though no specific date has been announced. The field will be natural grass – NO TURF! (Sorry Vet-lovers) The stadium will feature a section dedicated to the SoB with their own tunnel leading to the section shrouded in SoB signage. The ownership wants to have Philly-based food options in the stadium (ala the Phillies and C.B. Park) and hopefully, as per Nick’s request, a pub with Boddingtons on tap! Cheers to that! Also, the team is still looking for a training facility because they will not train on the field.

2. Uniforms/Colors – The color scheme will be announced Fall 2008 and the ownership wants YOU to be involved in the colors and logo design. Kits, jerseys, and other merchandise will be available late 2009 with preliminary merchandise being released in late 2008.

3. Team Stuff – The team has already begun interviewing coaches but will not make a decision until 2009. The same goes for the players as the team has begun scouting and recruiting but no one will be signed until late 2009. Local players – time to get into shape. Philadelphia will have an Academy designed to groom and develop 200-250 young talents (ages 8-16) as well as the team will have a series of open tryouts and invite only player combines for local players in 2009.

4. Everything Else – The team is still working on a TV deal to broadcast all non-nationally televised games. The team will also try to bring international opponents to the stadium for tournaments and friendlies. Since the team will begin play in a World Cup year, the team will try to bring World Cup Qualifiers to the new stadium as long as US Soccer is OK with the deal. To that end, the team will also open up the stadium for World Cup events.

Welcome

Welcome to the new blog for the new Philadelphia Major League Soccer team set to begin play in 2010. Any and all news we come across, we will pass along to you, the Philadelphia soccer fan.