Venue Detail
Philadelphia Union
RSV Pro Facilities Report
March, 2014
Philadelphia Union
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2501 Seaport Dr Ste 500 Chester, PA 19013 Phone: 610-497-1657 URL: www.philadelphiaunion.com Owner: Nick Sakiewicz and other investors League: Major League Soccer, Eastern Conference
Venue
Union Field at Chester, One Stadium Drive, Chester, PA 19013 Owner: Delaware County Managed by: Global Spectrum Built: 2010 Capacity: 18,500 Concessionaire: Ovations Food Services Suite caterer: Ovations Food Services Soft drink:
Ticket Prices
Season tickets range from $306 to $2,124
Attendance
2011 average attendance: 18,258 2012 average attendance: 18,277
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: $1,206 to $1,206
Financing
Funding for the $115 million venue includes a $27 million Commonwealth Grant to be handled by the Chester Redevelopment Authority, a $25 million loan from Sovereign Bank, and $18 million in grants and loans from other sources. The balance came from the team.
The second phase, dependent on numerous factors, including the economy, would bring seating to 27,000, and the third to about 30,000.
That would represent an overall 62 percent increase in capacity. New decks would rise over the sideline stands and above the east sections collectively known as the River End.
Overall, expanded seating would make the stadium more closely resemble the rectangular designs of many European arenas. It also would block fans' views of the Delaware River, where ships cruise past during games.
The team estimates the total cost of expansion at $25 million.
The 30-year lease provides for up to two consecutive renewal periods of 10 years each. The agreement includes a non-relocation 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 is 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 also has 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.
The team offers a field table seating four persons for $10,584 per season. (Facilities, Financial, MLS, Professional Sports, Venue)