Philadelphia's new Major League Soccer team
broke ground on a soccer-specific stadium in Chester, where the team will
begin play in 2010, on Monday. MLS Commissioner Don Garber joined with team,
and local and state officials along the Delaware River for the official
ceremony, signaling the beginning of the construction for the 18,500-seat
stadium.
"The ground-breaking of this new, first-class soccer stadium, the eighth such
stadium in Major League Soccer, is a historic moment for the city of Chester
and soccer fans in the United States," Garber said. "Philadelphia is one of
the most passionate sports markets in the country and we are excited that they
will be joining our League in 2010."
The 18,500-seat stadium will be constructed at the foot of the Commodore Barry
Bridge, just 13 miles from downtown Philadelphia. The multi-purpose stadium
will feature an 11,000 square foot club, 30 suites and a built-in concert
stage. 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 new stadium is the centerpiece of a $500 million development covering more
than 100 acres along the Delaware River waterfront.
"I can't express how truly honored we are to have such passionate and
dedicated fans who come out to support us, even before we have a stadium,"
CEO & Operating Partner of the Philadelphia team Nick Sakiewicz said. "But as
passionate as they are, we are equally passionate about this game, about this
team, and about this community. This stadium is the linchpin for this
redevelopment project which will serve as an economic stimulus in these
uncertain times to revitalize the City of Chester and the region. That is why
we already have invested over $10 million in to the stadium site in advance of
other local and state dollars."
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