Sports stats



MLS Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union Celebrate "Home Opener: Part Doop"

March 30, 2017 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release


CHESTER, Pa.- Philadelphia Union announced that they are celebrating their Home Opener: Part Doop on Saturday, April 8 when the Portland Timbers visit Talen Energy Stadium. Kickoff for the contest is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.

The Union are taking advantage of the international break last week and a quirk in the MLS schedule to reload and recreate a great opening day experience for their fans by unveiling entertainment components that were thwarted by harsh weather conditions on March 11 vs. Toronto FC. With the 2017 season already over a month old, the contest against Portland will be just the club's second home date of the season.

"Our marketing and game operations staff has worked on enhancing an already terrific Talen Energy Stadium game experience throughout the offseason," offered Union Chief Business Officer Tim McDermott. "Everything we've conceived and developed, with our customers and supporters always top of mind, should be on full display. It's all part of the evolution of the Union brand and we're very excited to see everyone enjoy it all."

Among the primary entertainment additions to Talen Energy Stadium in the 2017 season are parachute drops. During the pregame festivities, parachutes will drop from the Talen Energy Stadium rafters, offering gift cards to club partners Sunoco and ACME Markets.

Next Saturday's match against Portland is also Youth Soccer Night. Before the game, fans will be able to compete in games on Toyota Plaza, including an adidas miCoach soccer ball that gives instant feedback on power, spin, speed and trajectory. There will be a juggling contest, with one fan 14 or under winning a post-game autograph session with the Union.

Additionally, those participating in Youth Soccer Night have a chance for seat upgrades or to win autographed merchandise. There will also be a kid anthem singer and select youth teams will play mini soccer games during halftime. Following the match, there will be a post-game parade around the field of Talen Energy Stadium. Five lucky fans will participate in a jersey swap with five Union players, and there will also be autograph sessions at designated locations with Union players.

Furthermore, all Union matches will continue to see the Union Drumline bring their excitement to the parking lot and Toyota Plaza before the match as well as an on-field performance pregame. Accompanying each team's procession into Talen Energy Stadium and throughout the player introductions and national anthems, enormous banners celebrating Philadelphia soccer and the Union will be displayed on the pitch. Meanwhile, the Sons of Ben will experience some additional game day amenities in the form of additional capo stands to assist in the group creating the best atmosphere in all of Major League Soccer.

Additional new or enhanced amenities at Talen Energy Stadium include the Union Ale House, a must-stop destination for supporters 21-and-over located above sections 103 and 104 as well as new deck flags inspired by and created for Union fans, fan murals at the Supporters' Gate and the River Gate, an upgraded VIP entrance, a new parking lot located near the Delaware River (Lot F) and new gate art throughout the stadium.

Check out the Philadelphia Union Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from March 30, 2017


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central