The Philadelphia MLS expansion team broke ground on their new $115 million stadium project in Chester, PA on Monday, moving a step closer to building a new home for soccer in the Northeast.
MLS commissioner Don Garber was on hand (below, second from left), complete with hard hat and shovel. The Philly supporter's group, Sons of Ben, also made an appearance. Philly MLS chief executive Nick Sakiewicz was there, and I don't want to say he's been to his share of groundbreakings but he's put more shovels in the ground than Joe Pesci's character in Goodfellas. All kidding aside, Sakiewicz and the Philadelphia ownership group deserve credit for keeping their stadium project afloat amidst so much economic uncertainty.
Speakingo which, here is a more sobering take on the groundbreaking from the Phily Inquirer.
Concerns about the economy aside, Monday was an exciting day to be a soccer fan in the Philadelphia area. With an eager fan base, government support for a stadium, and a 2010 kick-off just 15 months away, thinks are looking up for soccer in the city of Brotherly Love.
What do you think of the groundbreaking ceremony? Are you excited about Philadelphia joining MLS? Are you a DC or Red Bulls fan who can't wait to have a team to cheer against just two hours away?
Share your thoughts below.
