Chester Stadium
Encyclopedia
PPL Park is an American
soccer-specific stadium
located in Chester, Pennsylvania
that is home to the Philadelphia Union, a Major League Soccer
club. The project is the result of combined commitments of $30 million from Delaware County
and $47 million from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
.
The stadium is located on Chester's waterfront along the Delaware River
, at the Commodore Barry Bridge
's southwestern corner. PPL Park was designed to be a catalyst for economic development on the waterfront, with additional plans calling for a riverwalk amidst other entertainment, retail, and residential projects. The stadium was constructed by the Ardmore, Pennsylvania
-based T.N. Ward Company.
(MLS) had been interested in entering the Philadelphia market for several years, with many promises of a team by Commissioner Don Garber
, as evidenced by his statement, "It's not a matter of if but when Philadelphia gets a team." Initially, Major League Soccer was interested in a site in the borough of Bristol, Pennsylvania
, about 23 miles (37 km) north of Center City, Philadelphia
. Those plans never came to fruition. Later, Rowan University
provided details for a soccer stadium near its campus in Glassboro, New Jersey
. However, funding from the state of New Jersey fell through in 2006.
In late 2006, a group of investors led by Rob Buccini, co-founder of the Buccini/Pollin Group; Jay Sugarman, chief executive of iStar Financial; and James Nevels, a former chairman of the Philadelphia School Reform Commission, initiated the planning for a soccer-specific stadium in the city of Chester after the funding for the Rowan project failed to pass the New Jersey
legislature. After many months of negotiations, Delaware County politicians announced their approval of funding for the stadium in October 2007. Delaware County owns the land and the stadium itself, while the team owns the naming rights based on their approval of a 30-year lease. The newly formed Delaware County Sports Authority pays the county's share of $30 million through taxes from the Harrah's Chester
harness racing track and casino. An additional $80 million was donated by private investors.
On January 31, 2008, Governor Ed Rendell
and Pennsylvania Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi
, unveiled a combined soccer stadium and economic revitalization package for the city of Chester. $25 million was allocated to the construction of PPL Park, with an additional $7 million towards a two-phase project composed of 186 townhouses, 25 apartments, 335000 square feet (31,122.5 m²) of office space, a 200000 square feet (18,580.6 m²) convention center, more than 20000 square feet (1,858.1 m²) of retail space, and a parking structure to house 1,350 cars. In phase two, another 200 apartments will be built, along with 100000 square feet (9,290.3 m²) of office space and 22000 square feet (2,043.9 m²) of retail space.
On February 25, 2010, the Philadelphia Union announced that the Allentown, Pennsylvania
-based PPL Corporation
purchased the naming rights to its home venue for $20 million over 11 years. As part of the deal, PPL EnergyPlus provides the stadium with sustainable energy
derived from other sources in Pennsylvania.
Construction delays led to the Philadelphia Union's decision to play their inaugural home game at Lincoln Financial Field
instead of PPL Park. Their first match at the stadium was played on June 27, 2010 when they defeated Seattle Sounders FC
by a score of 3–1. Sébastien Le Toux
scored the Union's first goal at PPL Park on a penalty kick. However, Pat Noonan
of Sounders FC scored the first goal in the venue's history.
Due to consistently high attendance and ticket sales, the Philadelphia Union has expressed interest in expanding the capacity of the stadium. The planned expansion would occur in three phases, initially to 20,000, then to 27,000, and finally to approximately 30,000. The planned first phase of expansion could start as early as 2014.
PPL Park hosted the 2011 USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship
and will do so again in 2012.
On November 19, 2011, the Battle of the Blue
was the first American football game to be played at PPL Park, in which Delaware
beat Villanova
to earn the trophy for the first time. PPL Park has been mentioned as a possible future home venue for Villanova if they join an athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision in order to fulfill minimum stadium capacity requirements.
supporters group in recognition of their loyalty. This entrance leads into a 2,000-seat section reserved specifically for the group. Additional features include thirty luxury suites, a full-service restaurant, a built-in concert stage, and sideline roofs designed to protect fans from the elements. Even with the inclusion of these features, approximately sixty percent of the venue's spectators will be able to view the Commodore Barry Bridge and the Delaware River from their seats. PPL Park's façade is made up of brick and natural stone, a continuity of traditional Philadelphia architecture. Its concessions, catering, and ticket sales are managed by the Philadelphia-based Comcast Spectacor company. The Panasonic Corporation is one of the stadium's major sponsors and provides broadcast and television production systems, large-screen LED displays, security systems, and point-of-sale systems.
, hot dogs
, pizza
, and ice cream
. It also offers traditional Philadelphia food items such cheesesteaks
, hoagies
, and soft pretzels (shaped like the Union's primary logo). Local companies such as Turkey Hill (based in Lancaster County
), Herr's Snacks
(from Notthingham
), and Seasons Pizza are the exclusive providers of ice cream, non-carbonated beverages, pizza, and other snack foods. The stadium is unique for its peanut butter and jelly sandwich
stand. Anheuser-Busch
beers are the majority sold at PPL Park but Bass, Heineken
, Corona
, and Victory
are also available.
in front of 19,178 fans. The game was a 1 - 1 draw. This clinched the club's first ever MLS Playoff berth.
, PPL Park is located near Interstate 95
. It is approximately 1 miles (1.6 km) from the Chester Transportation Center
SEPTA station, where shuttle service is provided from four hours prior to kickoff and from full time until the park is empty. The Philadelphia International Airport
is 5 miles (8 km) from PPL Park.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soccer-specific stadium
Soccer-specific stadium
Soccer-specific stadium is a term used mainly in the United States, Canada, Australia and South Korea coined by Lamar Hunt, to refer to a sports stadium either purpose built or fundamentally redesigned for soccer and whose primary function is to host soccer matches, as opposed to a multipurpose...
located in Chester, Pennsylvania
Chester, Pennsylvania
Chester is a city in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States, with a population of 33,972 at the 2010 census. Chester is situated on the Delaware River, between the cities of Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware.- History :...
that is home to the Philadelphia Union, a Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
club. The project is the result of combined commitments of $30 million from Delaware County
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....
and $47 million from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
.
The stadium is located on Chester's waterfront along the Delaware River
Delaware River
The Delaware River is a major river on the Atlantic coast of the United States.A Dutch expedition led by Henry Hudson in 1609 first mapped the river. The river was christened the South River in the New Netherland colony that followed, in contrast to the North River, as the Hudson River was then...
, at the Commodore Barry Bridge
Commodore Barry Bridge
The Commodore Barry Bridge is a cantilever bridge that spans the Delaware River from Chester, Pennsylvania to Bridgeport, in Logan Township, New Jersey, USA...
's southwestern corner. PPL Park was designed to be a catalyst for economic development on the waterfront, with additional plans calling for a riverwalk amidst other entertainment, retail, and residential projects. The stadium was constructed by the Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Ardmore is a census-designated place in Delaware and Montgomery counties in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The population was 12,455 at the 2010 census...
-based T.N. Ward Company.
History
Major League SoccerMajor League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
(MLS) had been interested in entering the Philadelphia market for several years, with many promises of a team by Commissioner Don Garber
Don Garber
Donald Garber is the commissioner of Major League Soccer, CEO of Soccer United Marketing, and a member of the United States Soccer Federation board of directors. Garber has spent his entire career in the sports industry, working in a variety of capacities in marketing, television and league...
, as evidenced by his statement, "It's not a matter of if but when Philadelphia gets a team." Initially, Major League Soccer was interested in a site in the borough of Bristol, Pennsylvania
Bristol, Pennsylvania
Bristol is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, northeast of Philadelphia opposite Burlington, N.J. on the Delaware River. Bristol was first incorporated in 1720. Although its charter was revised in 1905, the original charter remains in effect, making Bristol one of the older boroughs in...
, about 23 miles (37 km) north of Center City, Philadelphia
Center City, Philadelphia
Center City, or Downtown Philadelphia includes the central business district and central neighborhoods of the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. As of 2005, its population of over 88,000 made it the third most populous downtown in the United States, after New York City's and Chicago's...
. Those plans never came to fruition. Later, Rowan University
Rowan University
Rowan University is a public university in Glassboro, New Jersey, USA with a satellite campus in Camden, New Jersey. The school was founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School on a twenty-five acre tract of land donated by the town...
provided details for a soccer stadium near its campus in Glassboro, New Jersey
Glassboro, New Jersey
Glassboro is a borough in Gloucester County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the borough population was 19,068....
. However, funding from the state of New Jersey fell through in 2006.
In late 2006, a group of investors led by Rob Buccini, co-founder of the Buccini/Pollin Group; Jay Sugarman, chief executive of iStar Financial; and James Nevels, a former chairman of the Philadelphia School Reform Commission, initiated the planning for a soccer-specific stadium in the city of Chester after the funding for the Rowan project failed to pass the New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
legislature. After many months of negotiations, Delaware County politicians announced their approval of funding for the stadium in October 2007. Delaware County owns the land and the stadium itself, while the team owns the naming rights based on their approval of a 30-year lease. The newly formed Delaware County Sports Authority pays the county's share of $30 million through taxes from the Harrah's Chester
Harrah's Chester
Harrah's Chester: Casino and Racetrack is a racino on the Chester, Pennsylvania waterfront.The track's first harness racing season opened on September 10, 2006. Wagering is available on live horse races from April 23 to November 23 on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, and some Fridays; or via simulcast...
harness racing track and casino. An additional $80 million was donated by private investors.
On January 31, 2008, Governor Ed Rendell
Ed Rendell
Edward Gene "Ed" Rendell is an American politician who served as the 45th Governor of Pennsylvania. Rendell, a member of the Democratic Party, was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 2002, and his term of office began January 21, 2003...
and Pennsylvania Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi
Dominic Pileggi
Dominic Pileggi is an American politician from Pennsylvania who serves as Republican Leader of the Pennsylvania State Senate. Pileggi represents the 9th district, which includes portions of Chester and Delaware Counties. Pileggi earned a B.A. in economics from Saint Joseph's University in 1979 and...
, unveiled a combined soccer stadium and economic revitalization package for the city of Chester. $25 million was allocated to the construction of PPL Park, with an additional $7 million towards a two-phase project composed of 186 townhouses, 25 apartments, 335000 square feet (31,122.5 m²) of office space, a 200000 square feet (18,580.6 m²) convention center, more than 20000 square feet (1,858.1 m²) of retail space, and a parking structure to house 1,350 cars. In phase two, another 200 apartments will be built, along with 100000 square feet (9,290.3 m²) of office space and 22000 square feet (2,043.9 m²) of retail space.
On February 25, 2010, the Philadelphia Union announced that the Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown is a city located in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is Pennsylvania's third most populous city, after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and the 215th largest city in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 118,032 and is currently...
-based PPL Corporation
PPL (utility)
PPL, formerly known as PP&L or Pennsylvania Power and Light, is an energy company headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. It currently controls about 19,000 megawatts of electrical generating capacity in the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania and Montana, and delivers electricity to...
purchased the naming rights to its home venue for $20 million over 11 years. As part of the deal, PPL EnergyPlus provides the stadium with sustainable energy
Sustainable energy
Sustainable energy is the provision of energy that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable energy sources include all renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, solar energy, wind energy, wave power, geothermal...
derived from other sources in Pennsylvania.
Construction delays led to the Philadelphia Union's decision to play their inaugural home game at Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex...
instead of PPL Park. Their first match at the stadium was played on June 27, 2010 when they defeated Seattle Sounders FC
Seattle Sounders FC
Seattle Sounders FC is an American professional soccer club based in Seattle, Washington. The club competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. Sounders FC was established in November 2007 as a MLS expansion team, making it the 15th team in...
by a score of 3–1. Sébastien Le Toux
Sébastien Le Toux
Sébastien Le Toux is a French-American footballer who currently plays for the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer.-Professional:Le Toux was part of the youth setup at Rennes, and briefly played for Lorient in Ligue 2, prior to moving to the United States.Le Toux unsuccessfully tried out for...
scored the Union's first goal at PPL Park on a penalty kick. However, Pat Noonan
Pat Noonan
Pat Noonan is an American soccer player who last played for Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer.-College and Amateur:...
of Sounders FC scored the first goal in the venue's history.
Due to consistently high attendance and ticket sales, the Philadelphia Union has expressed interest in expanding the capacity of the stadium. The planned expansion would occur in three phases, initially to 20,000, then to 27,000, and finally to approximately 30,000. The planned first phase of expansion could start as early as 2014.
PPL Park hosted the 2011 USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship
2011 USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship
The 2011 USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship was a rugby union sevens tournament. The competition was held from 4-5 June at PPL Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. The men's tournament featured sixteen teams, whereas the women's tournament featured eight teams....
and will do so again in 2012.
On November 19, 2011, the Battle of the Blue
Battle of the Blue
The Battle of the Blue is an annual college football rivalry game between the University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens and Villanova University Wildcats. Beginning in 2007, the annual Delaware–Villanova game became known as Battle of the Blue...
was the first American football game to be played at PPL Park, in which Delaware
2011 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football team
The 2011 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football team represented the University of Delaware in the 2011 NCAA Division I FCS football season. The Blue Hens were led by 10th year head coach K. C. Keeler and played their home games at Delaware Stadium. They are a member of the Colonial Athletic...
beat Villanova
2011 Villanova Wildcats football team
The 2011 Villanova Wildcats football team represented Villanova University in the 2011 NCAA Division I FCS football season. The Wildcats were led by 27th year head coach Andy Talley and played their home games at Villanova Stadium. They are a member of the Colonial Athletic Association. They...
to earn the trophy for the first time. PPL Park has been mentioned as a possible future home venue for Villanova if they join an athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision in order to fulfill minimum stadium capacity requirements.
Features
The Philadelphia Union's ownership group, Keystone Sports & Entertainment, designed a specific entrance of PPL Park for the Sons of BenSons of Ben (MLS supporters association)
The Sons of Ben is an independent supporters group for Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer. The group was created in January 2007 by soccer fans from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and its greater metropolitan area, using such existing Major League Soccer fan clubs as the Screaming Eagles, La...
supporters group in recognition of their loyalty. This entrance leads into a 2,000-seat section reserved specifically for the group. Additional features include thirty luxury suites, a full-service restaurant, a built-in concert stage, and sideline roofs designed to protect fans from the elements. Even with the inclusion of these features, approximately sixty percent of the venue's spectators will be able to view the Commodore Barry Bridge and the Delaware River from their seats. PPL Park's façade is made up of brick and natural stone, a continuity of traditional Philadelphia architecture. Its concessions, catering, and ticket sales are managed by the Philadelphia-based Comcast Spectacor company. The Panasonic Corporation is one of the stadium's major sponsors and provides broadcast and television production systems, large-screen LED displays, security systems, and point-of-sale systems.
Awards
- In September 2010, Mid-Atlantic Construction Magazine named PPL Park the "Sports/Recreation Project of the Year." The company grants the award to premier construction projects in the Mid-AtlanticMid-Atlantic StatesThe Mid-Atlantic states, also called middle Atlantic states or simply the mid Atlantic, form a region of the United States generally located between New England and the South...
region.
- On February 25, 2011, the Delaware County Planning Commission awarded PPL Park the 2010 William H. Bates Memorial Award. Since 1980, the honor is presented annually to real-estate developers that improved a Delaware County property.
Concessions
Under the care of Comcast Spectacor, PPL Park features many of the foods commonly sold at American sports venues such as hamburgersHamburger
A hamburger is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground meat usually placed inside a sliced bread roll...
, hot dogs
Hot dog
A hot dog is a sausage served in a sliced bun. It is very often garnished with mustard, ketchup, onions, mayonnaise, relish and/or sauerkraut.-History:...
, pizza
Pizza
Pizza is an oven-baked, flat, disc-shaped bread typically topped with a tomato sauce, cheese and various toppings.Originating in Italy, from the Neapolitan cuisine, the dish has become popular in many parts of the world. An establishment that makes and sells pizzas is called a "pizzeria"...
, and ice cream
Ice cream
Ice cream is a frozen dessert usually made from dairy products, such as milk and cream, and often combined with fruits or other ingredients and flavours. Most varieties contain sugar, although some are made with other sweeteners...
. It also offers traditional Philadelphia food items such cheesesteaks
Cheesesteak
A cheesesteak, also known as a Philadelphia cheesesteak, Philly cheesesteak, cheese steak, or steak and cheese, is a sandwich made from thinly-sliced pieces of steak and melted cheese in a long roll...
, hoagies
Submarine sandwich
A submarine sandwich, also known as a sub among other names, is a sandwich that consists of a long roll of Italian or French bread, split lengthwise either into two pieces or opened in a "V" on one side, and filled with various varieties of meat, cheese, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces. The...
, and soft pretzels (shaped like the Union's primary logo). Local companies such as Turkey Hill (based in Lancaster County
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, known as the Garden Spot of America or Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is a county located in the southeastern part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of 2010 the population was 519,445. Lancaster County forms the Lancaster Metropolitan Statistical Area, the...
), Herr's Snacks
Herr's Snacks
Herr's is a Nottingham, Pennsylvania-based brand of snack foods, most notably potato chips. While their products are sold throughout the Eastern United States and Canada, their stronghold is the Mid-Atlantic region. -History:...
(from Notthingham
Nottingham, Pennsylvania
Nottingham is an unincorporated community located in West Nottingham Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. The community is located at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Pennsylvania Route 272 near the border with East Nottingham Township a short distance north of the Maryland border. It is home to...
), and Seasons Pizza are the exclusive providers of ice cream, non-carbonated beverages, pizza, and other snack foods. The stadium is unique for its peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
The peanut butter and jelly sandwich or PB&J is a sandwich, popular in North America, that includes a layer of peanut butter and either jam or jelly on bread, commonly between two slices, but sometimes eaten open-faced....
stand. Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. , is an American brewing company. The company operates 12 breweries in the United States and 18 in other countries. It was, until December 2009, also one of America's largest theme park operators; operating ten theme parks across the United States through the...
beers are the majority sold at PPL Park but Bass, Heineken
Heineken brands
Heineken International is a group which owns a worldwide portfolio of over 170 beer brands, mainly pale lager, though some other beer styles are produced...
, Corona
Corona (beer)
Corona Extra, better known as Corona and labeled as Coronita in Spain, is a brand of pale lager owned and produced by Cerveceria Modelo at a number of breweries in Mexico. It is one of the best-selling beers in Mexico and is one of the top-selling beers worldwide...
, and Victory
Victory Brewing Company
Victory Brewing Company is a brewery founded in 1996 in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, USA. The main brands are HopDevil, Prima Pils, Headwaters Pale Ale, Golden Monkey and Storm King, which are distributed in 30 states. Victory Brewing is located at 420 Acorn Lane Downingtown, Pennsylvania 19335...
are also available.
Attendance
The largest attendance overall at PPL Park was on October 15, 2011 for a regular season MLS game when the Union hosted the Toronto FCToronto FC
Toronto FC is a Canadian professional soccer club based in Toronto, Ontario which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada....
in front of 19,178 fans. The game was a 1 - 1 draw. This clinched the club's first ever MLS Playoff berth.
Transportation
Like the South Philadelphia Sports ComplexSouth Philadelphia Sports Complex
The South Philadelphia Sports Complex is the current home of Philadelphia's professional sports teams. It is the site of the Wells Fargo Center, Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park...
, PPL Park is located near Interstate 95
Interstate 95 in Pennsylvania
Interstate 95 is an Interstate highway running from Miami, Florida north to Houlton, Maine. In the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, the route is known by many as the Delaware Expressway, but is officially named The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. and locally known as "95"...
. It is approximately 1 miles (1.6 km) from the Chester Transportation Center
Chester Transportation Center
The Chester Transportation Center is a SEPTA bus and train station in Chester, Pennsylvania. The outside portion of the ground level serves SEPTA City Transit Division Route 37, and Suburban Transit Division Routes 109, 113, 114, 117, 118, and 119....
SEPTA station, where shuttle service is provided from four hours prior to kickoff and from full time until the park is empty. The Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport is a major airport in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, and is the largest airport in the Delaware Valley region and in Pennsylvania...
is 5 miles (8 km) from PPL Park.