There’s more to soccer culture than the professional game, which is why we’ve put together guides for each of MLS’ 19 markets. Whether you’re just dropping in on vacation or hitting the road with your fellow supporters, here’s the lowdown on what to do and how to do it.
SOCCER CULTURE
Soccer culture in Philadelphia is synonymous with the Sons of Ben, the Union's first and largest supporters' group. All MLS teams have passionate fans but the Sons of Ben stand apart because they existed before the club they supported did, which spawned a documentary film that recently won an award at an international film festival. Philly also has a rich history in the sport. Just ask Philadelphia native and American soccer legend Walter Bahr, the last living member of the famous 1950 World Cup team that pulled off arguably the greatest upset in sports history.
WHERE TO PLAY
- YSC Sports: Home to the Union's youth academy, this is where some Union players train during the offseason. But the beautiful indoor turf facility – located about 20 miles outside Philly – is also the place to go for competitive pickup games and adult leagues.
- Penn Park: is another great spot for pickup and leagues. The turf fields on the edge of the University of Pennsylvania campus also come with a stunning view of the Philadelphia skyline and close proximity to good bars and restaurants.
LOCAL CUISINE
Philly might be best known to the rest of the country for its cheesesteaks, but the city also has an incredible restaurant scene.
- Newbies should first check out any spot from chefs Marc Vetri, Michael Solomonov and Jose Garces – especially Vetri's Osteria (Italian), Solomonov's Zahav (Middle Eastern) and Garces' El Vez (Mexican).
- Han Dynasty began as a small, hole-in-the wall place in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia and has since become a growing franchise and home to some of the best Chinese food in the country. Get the Dan Dan Noodles.
- If you're in the mood for a cheeseteak, hit up Jim's on South Street. And if you're still hungry you can go across the street to get the best pizza in town at Lorenzo's. The double dip is known as “The South Street Challenge,” and make sure you're near a garbage can afterwards when you inevitably get sick.
- Honorable mention: Vernick Food And Drink, Sampan, Amada.
SOCCER BARS
- Located in the heart of Center City, Fado Irish Pub is Philly's most well-known place to watch soccer. The bar has also hosted Union events and outdoor World Cup watch parties.
- Tir Na Nog, an official Union sponsor, gets busy for big matches. Let's just forget about that time Union players and fans packed in there to see Russia and Qatar get World Cup bids instead of the United States.
- If you're looking for a smaller, more hipster-friendly soccer bar, your best bet is The 700 in Northern Liberties. It doesn't serve food, but it does very often serve up the writing staff from the Philly Soccer Page.
WHERE TO VISIT
- Everyone knows about the Rocky steps, but after you run up them and jump up and down like Sly Stallone, you also might want to turn around and step into one of the country's finest art museums. Or you can stay in the museum district and go to the classy Barnes Foundation or the kid-friendly Franklin Institute Science Museum.
- If you like history, you should definitely see the Liberty Bell and take a tour of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. There are cool, newer tourist attractions in the same one-block radius too, including the National Constitution Center and the National Museum of American Jewish History.
- Pop-up beer gardens are the new fad in Philly. The best one is Spruce Street Harbor Park, which combines beer and food stands with outdoor games, a beach setting overlooking the water and hammocks. But it's only open in the summer and there's always a wait to lie in those damn hammocks.
- Honorable mention: Reading Terminal Market, Eastern State Penitentiary, Fairmount Park.
MATCHDAY
Everyone that comes to PPL Park agrees the five-year-old stadium is a great place to watch a soccer game. The backdrop of the Delaware River and the Commodore Barry Bridge provides stunning views, and there's really no bad seat in the building. Having the Sons of Ben take up one side of the stadium in “The River End,” right above where the teams emerge from their locker rooms, is also a nice feature.
MATCHDAY TIPS:
- There are no bars or restaurants around the stadium area – or anything, really – so pack your own food and beer for tailgates. And leave time to walk around the stadium, where there's live music, activities for kids, and a big grassy area to kick a ball around.
- There's no direct way to get to PPL Park via public transportation but it is doable. You just need to take a SEPTA train to the Chester Transportation Center, where the team provides a free shuttle service to and from the stadium.
- Thanks to a new corporate sponsorship, Dogfish Head Brewery will open up a beer garden at PPL Park starting this season. If you like beer (and who doesn't?), that should probably be your first stop for concessions.
