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MLS Philadelphia Union

City to Host Philadelphia International Unity Cup Championship Game and Day of Free Family-Friendly Activities

October 8, 2018 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release


CHESTER, Pa. - The 2018 season of the Philadelphia International Unity Cup (Unity Cup), presented by Goya Foods, will officially come to a close with a fun-filled day of free events leading up to the Championship game on Saturday, October 13 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Unity Cup, a World Cup style tournament, is one of Mayor Jim Kenney's signature initiatives that celebrates the city's rich cultural diversity and focuses on the international appeal of soccer.

"The Unity Cup tournament is near and dear to my heart," said Mayor Jim Kenney. "At its core it represents the great diversity of our city as well as Philadelphia's growing affinity for soccer, which is beloved all around the globe. I hope everyone can join us on Championship Game Day and see these incredible teams in action."

The Unity Cup Championship Game Day will offer free, family-friendly fun. Pre-game festivities will include a youth soccer game, youth soccer clinics, and bounce houses and inflatables for children. Activities begin at 12 p.m. with the final showdown starting at 5 p.m. There will be many ways to get to the stadium including free shuttles and public transportation options. Parking and attendance to the game will be free, so Philadelphians are encouraged to come out and enjoy a day of family fun and great soccer.

The Unity Cup has steadily grown in popularity since its inception in 2016. This year's tournament welcomed 11 new teams representing the following countries: Albania, England, Spain, Belize, El Salvador, Peru, Mali, Gambia, Guinea, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya. Along with their veteran counterparts, a total of 52 teams played in more than 104 games this season. The tournament has grown from 32 teams in 2016, to 48 teams in 2017, and 52 teams this year.

"We are honored to be the presenting sponsor of the Philly Unity Cup, a tournament that highlights the most popular international sport and brings together people of different cultures and backgrounds across Philadelphia," says Rafael Toro, Director of Public Relations of Goya Foods. "I know the 2018 tournament will be an exciting championship match to watch, and we're excited to be a part of it!"

Championship Day

With 52 teams participating this year, the Unity Cup was larger than ever with intense games played every weekend in August through September across the entire city. The championship game is sure to be an action-packed event with two previous champions facing off for the final victory. The schedule for the day of events is as follows:

11 a.m.: Gates open

12 p.m.: Youth game

1 p.m.: Third place game: United States vs. Ireland

3:30 p.m.: Naturalization ceremony

4 p.m.: Parade of Nations

5 p.m.: Championship game: Liberia vs. Ivory Coast

7 p.m.: Awards ceremony

"Our partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and the Philadelphia Unity Cup has proven to be a perfect fit, blending the diversity and multiculturalism of our region with a common love for soccer," said Tim McDermott, Philadelphia Union Chief Business Officer. "As the hub of soccer in the area, Talen Energy Stadium is the perfect place to host the final and the third place game, as well as the cultural celebration that makes this event so powerful. All of us at Philadelphia Union would like to congratulate the participants, and we are looking forward to the games on October 13."

Tickets

This is a family-friendly event that is free and open to the public. Tickets are required to enter the stadium. Tickets are free and can be obtained through the following ways:

Advanced tickets: Free tickets can be mailed or delivered before game day (Saturday, October 13), by completing the ticket request form by Friday, October 5.

Day-of tickets: Tickets will also be available the day of the event; visit the Unity Cup ticketing table outside at Talen Energy Stadium (near our sponsor activities) before entering on game day, between 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Directions

There are several easy, convenient ways to get to Talen Energy Stadium. Options include:

Public transportation: SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail line to the 114, 117, or 119 bus routes. There will be a complimentary shuttle bus from Chester Transportation Center to the stadium.

Free shuttle bus: Unity Cup shuttle buses will have free pickups from recreation centers around Philadelphia. Buses will depart each site at 3 p.m. and return to the same location at 8 p.m.* If you have not received free tickets already, game tickets will be distributed on the bus. Pick-up locations are:

James Finnegan Playground (6801 Grovers Avenue, 19142)

Ramp Playground (3300 Solly Ave., 19136)

Olney Recreation Center (6001A St., 19120)

Rumph Recreation Center (100 E. Johnson St., 19144)

Murphy Recreation Center (300 W. Shunk St., 19148)

LOVE Park (John F. Kennedy Blvd. & N. 15th St., 19102)

By car: free parking will be available in lots B and C

For more directions and details, visit unitycup.phila.gov.

Goya Foods, America's largest Hispanic-owned food company, has been involved with the Unity Cup since its inception. Goya Foods will serve as the presenting sponsor of the tournament for the third year in a row. With the support of Goya Foods, the Unity Cup has become a significant experience for players and spectators across Philadelphia.

"The Unity Cup championship game and cultural celebration is one of my favorite annual events," said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. "Throughout the tournament I have witnessed the ability the Unity Cup has to uplift our city's immigrant communities and rich cultural diversity, as well as the positive influence of sports-based programming. The 2018 tournament has kept us on the edge of our seats and I can't wait to see which of these two amazing teams will be victorious."

This year's Unity Cup sponsors include presenting sponsor Goya, Visit Philadelphia, 6abc, KYW Newsradio, Univision, Philadelphia Union, The Philadelphia Sports League, PFCU, Campus Philly, The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, Funtimes Magazine, Global Philadelphia, Heineken, the Independence Visitor Center Corporation and the CASA Soccer League. Learn more about the Philadelphia International Unity Cup.

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