📍 Chester, Pennsylvania
⚽ Home of the Philadelphia Union
After years of dedicated efforts to bring a Major League Soccer club to the City of Brotherly Love, the Philadelphia Union finally joined up in 2010 as an expansion franchise, becoming the league’s 16th team. The Union, since their inception, have played at Subaru Park – although the venue has been known by several names in the past – located approximately 20 miles from downtown Philly in the industrial suburb of Chester. With a prime location near the nation’s 8th-largest metro area helping it draw attention from Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, Subaru Park has instilled itself as a dutiful venue for the passionate and widespread Union fanbase.
The anchor of the revitalized waterfront neighborhood known as Rivertown, Subaru Park is situated along the banks of the mighty Delaware and offers picturesque views of the Commodore Barry Bridge, creating a one-of-a-kind backdrop for matches. The stadium lies adjacent to a former rubber recycling site as well as an old power plant, the latter of which was converted in 2016 and now serves as offices and an indoor training facility for the Union. Outdoor practice fields between Subaru Park and the power plant function as yet another catalyst for change along the riverfront.
One of the league’s smallest stadiums with an official capacity of 18,500, Subaru Park still packs a powerful punch despite its intimate nature. Raucous Union fans – led by the “Sons of Ben” supporters group which has taken up residence in the stadium’s river end – have cultivated one of the most energetic and exciting atmospheres in MLS. At the forefront of every matchday experience is the catchy “DOOP” chant that echoes through the stands after every Philly goal. Taken from the song “Maria (I Like It Loud)” by Scooter, this iconic tune has become a mantra for both Union fans and casuals, the ultimate expression of their unmatched spirit and passion.
On the pitch, the Union have given die-hards plenty to cheer about, dazzling many a-crowd at Subaru Park. While still a fresh face in MLS, the club qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 2011, advancing to the quarterfinals. In 2020, the team had the best regular season record in the league and subsequently clinched their first major trophy, the Supporters’ Shield. Two years later, the Union made a memorable run to the Cup, ultimately falling in heartbreak fashion to LAFC on penalty kicks in a thrilling championship match.
In a stadium full of murals honoring Philadelphia’s most famous son and his accomplishments in harnessing the power of electricity, it’s only fitting that Subaru Park has an electric atmosphere to match. Exhibiting a fortuitous spirit and a “Join or Die” attitude that Ben Franklin himself would be proud of, Union supporters have forged an unparalleled environment for their beloved side and solidified their home as one of the most energetic in the City of Brotherly Love.
Info Invasion
Parking: $30 in the parking lots surrounding the stadium and power plant
Nearby Venue(s): Citizens Bank Park, Daniel S. Frawley Stadium
In the Area: Learn about a legendary Founding Father at the Ben Franklin Museum
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