Venue Detail
Philadelphia Union
Revenues From Sports Venues Pro Facilities Report
February, 2011
Philadelphia Union
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Chester, PA URL: www.philadelphiaunion.com
Owner
Nick Sakiewicz and other investors
League
Major League Soccer Eastern Conference
Venue
Union Field at Chester, , Chester, PA. Owner Delaware County Managed by: Global Spectrum Built: 2010 Capacity: 18,500 Concessionaire: Ovations Food Services Suite caterer: Ovations Food Services
Building sponsors
Clubs/Restaurants: Yes Seating: Yes Parking: Yes Entries: Yes
Ticket prices
Season tickets range from $275 to $700
Luxury Suites
Quantity: 30 Term: 3 to 7 years Price: $50,000 to $77,000 Seats: 14 to 18
Club seats
Quantity: 500 Term: 1 to 1 years Price: $1,100 to $1,100
Work started on the venue in December 2008 and workers are rushing to make sure the venue is ready to open in 2010.
The 30-year lease provides for up to two consecutive renewal periods of 10 years each. The agreement includes a nonrelocation stipulation, meaning the tenant would have to pay off the remainder of the bonds if the team were to leave for any reason within the first 10 years of the lease.
It could also leave after 10 years, under the agreement, by paying $10 million to the county if game attendance is in the bottom 25 percent of the league for two years running.
The agreement stipulates the team would get sole naming rights, as well as all revenues derived therefrom.
The Union is exempt from real estate taxes – the property would be government-owned – but would pay $500,000 to the city of Chester annually for four years and $150,000 annually thereafter for a period that could not be determined in the draft.
The county would be allowed up to six days use of the stadium premises in any calendar year, scheduled on or after April 1, according to the agreement. The authority would also be granted its own private suite at the stadium and 15 club seats.
The net lease also directs the Union to pay the county a $1-per-ticket surcharge for all events held at the stadium (other than team home games, MLS playoff games, exhibition and international soccer games) and 10 percent of all parking fees charged. The Union gets all revenues from concessions.
Super Club members will have the opportunity to take a flight to one match during the season that includes travel, lodging and stadium entry. A pre-game stadium tour is included, as is complimentary In-Seat Food and Beverage Service. Members have access to the Legends Room, celebrating Philadelphia’s soccer history. Memberships are sold in pairs. (Facilities, Financial, MLS, Professional Sports. Soccer)