With every announcement, the passionate fan base in Philadelphia can continue to sense the beginning of the 2010 Major League Soccer season.
The official name, logo, colors and ticket pricing really escalated that excitement.
On Monday, outside City Hall, Major League Soccer's 16th club unveiled its name as the Union. The previous banner, which had mlsphilly2010.com along the bottom, was taken down and a new banner was put up with philadelphiaunion.com.
"What an exciting time," said Union president Tom Veit. "Everything is coming together and time is flying by. This was a big announcement and the fans loved it."
Union references the original 13 Colonies, which established the foundation of the United States of America. The clubs colors are navy blue and gold, symbolizing the uniforms of the U.S. continental army during the American Revolution, accented by the lighter shade of blue found in the Philadelphia city flag.
The primary symbol of a rattlesnake is derived from Ben Franklin's political cartoons and was featured in multiple editions of the Pennsylvania Gazette during the 1750s. The rattlesnake was utilized to emphasize the necessity of colonial unity and serve as a reminder of the danger of disunity. Franklin's rattlesnake gained enormous popularity and evolved into a primary symbol of the American Revolution.
Complementing the rattlesnake, 13 stars are displayed along the base of the crest as another nod to the 13 Colonies of the Union. The crest's interior shield represents Philadelphia's coat of arms, which is found in both the flag of Philadelphia and the seal of the city of Philadelphia. Jungite aut Perite, a Latin translation of Join or Die, is featured in the club's secondary logo. Join or Die was displayed by Ben Franklin in unison with the rattlesnake to stress the importance of colonial unity.
"We think the name, logo and colors is a perfect combination of everything we were looking for," said Union principal owner Jay Sugarman. "This is an incredible area in terms of fan passion and excitement. We think we encompassed everything into one. We're very, very happy."
MLS Commissioner Don Garber is also thrilled with the advancement of the Union as the 2010 season quickly approaches.
"This really has been the perfect storm," Garber said. "Philadelphia is a sports market with new stadiums all around, rabid fans and everything you could want. We're confident that MLS will be a huge success in this area. The fans can't wait for the season. They've been anticipating every step along this journey leading up to the first time the players take the field in 2010."
The 18,500-seat stadium is under construction at the foot of the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester, Pa., just 13 miles from downtown Philadelphia. The multi-purpose stadium will feature an 11,000-square-foot club, 30 suites, a built-in concert stage for world-class music shows and a special 2,000-seat zone for the Sons of Ben supporters club. The new structure will also have a waterfront park and plaza used not only for stadium entry, but also for city-sponsored events such as festivals.
The stadium is the centerpiece of a $500 million entertainment, retail, residential and commercial development covering more than 100 acres along the historic Delaware River waterfront. Because of the addition of the stadium, an estimated 700 jobs will be created. An additional 1,900 jobs will also be created for the entire plan, creating about 2,600 new jobs combined.
"I've said this a hundred times, but I really think you need to pinch me," said Chester Mayor Wendell Butler. "I remember one of the first meetings I went to three or four years ago about this. I wasn't sure it would happen. I'm so excited and overwhelmed. I keep saying that every day because it's true. I almost can't believe it. For the city of Chester, with all the jobs and positive impact this franchise is making, wow, I'm just thrilled and overwhelmed."
Last March, the Sons of Ben supporters group had about 1,600 members. Now it is 4,000 strong and growing every day. Sons of Ben co-founder and president Bryan James said 50 people joined on Monday, a direct correlation to the press conference.
"Making us part of the fan vote for the team name was great," James said. "The club has included us in every aspect and were so appreciative."
The Union released an inaugural gear package of adidas T-shirts, hats and hoodies available for purchase at philadelphiaunion.com, mlsgear.com, eurosport.com, Angelo's Soccer Corner, Modell's, Dick's Sporting Goods and The Sports Authority.
Season tickets officially went on sale Monday, with seat selection determined by the order in which tickets are reserved.
All ticket packages are based on a 17-home match schedule with prices starting at $275 in the supporters section. The prices go up from there: corner ($300), endline ($400), sideline ($575), midfield ($700) and club ($1,100). Club seats include reserved parking, access to the Stadium Club and in-seat food and beverage service.
"A world-class guest experience will be paramount and reflected in all phases of our interaction with Founding Members," Veit said. "This summer, we'll launch an online program enabling season ticket holders to see the view from each seat before making a final decision."
Many decisions were announced on Monday much to the delight of everyone in attendance.
"This market is anxiously awaiting this team," Garber said. "We can't wait, either. It's a great fit all the way around."
Andy Jasner is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
