MLS Philly Union To Play Home Opener At Lincoln Financial Field

The MLS Philadelphia Union yesterday announced that they will play their inaugural home match against DC United at Lincoln Financial Field on April 10, "due to the ongoing construction" of the club’s 18,500-seat stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania, according to Kerith Gabriel of the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz: "Since we now know that our stadium will not be ready in early April, we made this decision to enable the league to move forward with its plans. Construction is moving along rapidly, and I can assure everyone that we will play the vast majority of our games in Chester (next) season." The club yesterday also announced a partnership with the Eagles and Lincoln Financial Field in an "effort to bring 'mega-international games' to Philadelphia." Meanwhile, a source confirmed that Union's first match will be played against the Sounders at Qwest Field on March 25 (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 9/24). In Philadelphia, Jeff Gammage reports tickets to the DC United-Union match "will be sold for the lower bowl and club sections, about 37,500 seats." Sakiewicz: "Rather than rolling the dice and hoping the stadium will be ready, we just said, 'Let's play at the Linc.'" It is "unclear whether the team will play more than one game at the Linc" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 9/24).