Led by the ownership group of Keystone Sports and Entertainment, LLC, the club operated under the name MLS Philadelphia 2010 for all of 2008 and the early portion of 2009. On May 11th, 2009 the club announced its name, crest and colors. Philadelphia Union alludes to the Union of the Thirteen Colonies, of which Philadelphia was the first capital. The club’s name and crest incorporate Philadelphia’s
rich colonial history and vital role in the creation of our nation – the Union. The team's name was chosen following a fan poll held between January 19, 2009 and February 6, 2009. The efforts of many, including loyal Philadelphia Union supporters, will be rewarded when the club plays its first match in the Spring of 2010. Philadelphia Union's primary colors are navy blue and gold, representing the Continental Army's uniforms during the American Revolutionary War. The light blue in the middle of the badge is derived from the civic flag of Philadelphia and is a tribute to the Sons of Ben supporters club. The team's primary crest is circular, symbolizing unity. The thirteen gold stars displayed along the base of the crest represent the original Thirteen Colonies, while the shield's contour derives from the Philadelphia coat of arms. The rattlesnake featured in the center of the shield pays homage to a political cartoon by Benjamin Franklin that was featured in multiple editions of the Pennsylvania Gazette in the 1750s. The rattlesnake became a national symbol during the American Revolution, representing the danger of disunity, and was featured on the Gadsden flag. Union's secondary logo also features the rattlesnake, along with the motto "JUNGITE aut PERITE", a Latin phrase meaning "JOIN or DIE", which was displayed by Franklin in his cartoons along with the rattlesnake. Grassroots support was instrumental to the founding of Philadelphia Union and the construction of Subaru Park. This backing came in the form of a supporters association known as the Sons of Ben, which was founded in January 2007. The Sons of Ben petitioned Major League Soccer to expand to the Philadelphia market until the official expansion announcement was made in January 2008. Named for Founding Father and Philadelphia icon, Benjamin Franklin, the group was included in the expansion press conference, singing their anthem, "I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover", and closing the event by presenting scarves to the ownership group. They repeated their entry on May 11, 2009 for the naming ceremony at City Hall. Stadium Quick Facts:
- World-class waterfront stadium located just over fifteen miles from Center City, Philadelphia
- Stadium capacity of 18,500 for soccer and 26,000 for concerts
- Natural grass pitch
- 30 Luxury Suites and a 11,000 SF full service club restaurant
- Built-in concert stage
- State-of-the-art LED signage and innovative experiential zones
- 2,000 person supporters club section
- Sideline roofs providing protection from the elements
- Large promenades surrounding the stadium for tailgating and festivals
Subaru Park serves as Philadelphia Union’s home. As the catalyst for a spectacular $500 million waterfront revitalization project, the stadium is expected to "KickStart Chester" by bringing renewed life and vitality to a historic location in need of a spark. The City of Chester, in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is an area that has most frequently been associated with recession and decline, but hope and pride is rapidly being restored. Public and private support for the mixed-use development is helping to drive a "renaissance on the river" in the City of Chester. The stadium is ideally located just five miles south of the Philadelphia International Airport, with easy access to major roadways such as I-95 and I-476. Additionally, the Northeast Corridor Amtrak, Conrail and SEPTA rail lines run two train platforms within a short distance from the site.
