Philadelphia To Become 16th MLS Franchise

[UNHWildCats]

They will begin play in 2010

Heres a picture of a proposed stadium

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2008/soccer/02/27/bc.soc.mls.chester.ap/p1_philly_0227.jpg

[Fresno St. Alum]

what will they be called

[Pards Rule]

This was the worst kept secret in America! Anyway,the stadium pic posted shows it will be in Chester PA (about 15 miles south of Philly) next to the Commodore Barry Bridge (which goes to Logan NJ)..

[UNHWildCats]

what will they be called


This was the worst kept secret in America! Anyway,the stadium pic posted shows it will be in Chester PA (about 15 miles south of Philly) next to the Commodore Barry Bridge (which goes to Logan NJ)..
Philadelphia Commodores :p

[Pards Rule]

Philadelphia Freedom is available?

[schmofstra]

Philadelphia Commodores would be a tremendous name! Good idea.

I've been saying they should take the name of the old NASL team, the Philadelphia Fury, but I don't know if someone still owns the rights to that name. That team never won a championship in the Vet but were notable because co-owners included Peter Frampton, Paul Simon and Rick Wakeman. The team actually stunk, as I recall, but it's a great name.

There was some talk that the Chester politicians were going to try to force them to use Chester in the name instead of Philadelphia. If they do, the first "unofficial" nickname that will be joked about, of course, is the Chester Molesters.

It a bit disappointing that the stadium won't be in the city of Philadelphia. The fact is, this location is great for a lot of suburban dwellers in South Jersey, Chester County and Wilmington, Del., areas -- that's the demographic the MLS likes anyway.

Offhand, I can't think of a better name than Commodores.

[schmofstra]

Philadelphia Freedom is available?

Philadelphia Freedom also is a great name!

Could be legally problematic, though, because the old World Team Tennis team was the Philadelphia Freedoms. Again, usually these people who own these names don't wanna cough them up.xnonono2x

[Marcus Garvey]

I say "meh." xcoffeex
It's soccer for crissakes. I love the thinking behind this one:
Meeting Chair: "Gentleman, we're going to award a franchise for one of the least popular specatator sports in America. What city would best symbolize the irrelevance of our sport"
Spineless Lacky #1: "How about Philadelphia?"
Meeting Chair: "I like your thinking. The town is, overall, a *****hole. Their ecomony is going nowhere. And they have the closest thing in this country to 'soccer hooligans': Philadelphia Eagles fans. But something is missing..."
Spineless Lacky #2: "How about Chester, right outisde Philly?"
Meeting Chair: "Perfect! We'll stick a franchise of a marginal professional sport, not in a *****hole major city. Rather in it's *****tiest suburb, which is actually even scarier than the main city! God we're morons."


If a soccer player falls in the woods, does anyone care?

[schmofstra]

This is personally a painful issue for me, believe it or not. As a native Pennsylvanian, I am fiercely loyal to ALL FOUR of the pro teams in Philadelphia.

Since moving to metro NYC, I have begun to be a fan of the Red Bulls. Do I switch allegiances and go back to my roots and root for this Philly team?

I'm torn. I am looking forward to seeing the Red Bulls in that beautiful new stadium they are building in Harrison, N.J. Incidentally, that stadium is allegedly supposed to be finished in time for the 2009 season. At first, it was supposed to be ready for 2008, then they said the middle of the 2008 season, then 2009. The problem is they hit a tremendous vein of bedrock on the construction site. They're sticking with the 2009 opening right now, but I know a few certain union people who say they'll be lucky to get it done by the END of the 2009 season -- so this is a mess.

I kind of looked at the Red Bulls as the SINGLE pro team in NYC that I can root for now that I live here. Let's assume they finish this N.J. stadium SOMETIME. I want to go to a lot of games there. I don't want to go to any more games at Giants Stadium, with the football lines.

Maybe it'll come down to Jozy Altidore. If he stays on the Red Bulls, how do I stop rooting for them? If he moves up to the Premiership next year, maybe I just take the opportunity to proclaim my new allegiance to the Philadelphia Commodores/Phreedom/Fury!!!

Maybe I should ask Dr. Bench over on "The Doctor Is In" thread (sob)xbawlingx

[TexasTerror]

Great news!

I think 16 is perfect for the MLS. I just hope they continue to build on their success and add to it with these competitions against other clubs from around the world...

[Pards Rule]

Philadelphia Freedom also is a great name!

Could be legally problematic, though, because the old World Team Tennis team was the Philadelphia Freedoms. Again, usually these people who own these names don't wanna cough them up.xnonono2x

Yes I remember that...Elton John did a song about them and it was a top hit in 1974. But I think the league folded soon after that and its been like 35 years! What benefit do they get by husbanding the name? Sell it!

[UNHWildCats]

in 2007 MLS averaged 15,353 per game, this compares well with long established sports leagues in the NHL and NBA who average 16,955 and 17,314 respectively.

As more european stars migrate to MLS following David Beckham MLS certainly can expect to pass the NHL and NBA in average attendance.

If the US is sucessful in landing the 2018 World Cup MLS should benefit with the exposure it will generate.

The 1994 World Cup in the United States still holds the record for total attendance even though the field has expanded to 32 teams from 24 which increased the matches from 52 to 64.

[TheValleyRaider]

As more european stars migrate to MLS following David Beckham MLS certainly can expect to pass the NHL and NBA in average attendance.

That'll only happen if/when you can get established stars to actually consider MLS as a real option, and not as a retirement league. Even then, MLS is not going to be able to compete financially with the top European leagues to consistently get top flight talent. Beckham's an interesting case because of the cult of celebrity that surrounds him along with his recognition and desire to cultivate that image. Playing for and being in LA suits that image in a way that you're not going to get with many other teams/cities.

And schmofstra, I feel your pain. I never quite got into the NY team back when they were the MetroStars, and then didn't care for their becoming Red Bull. Yeah, there's hope for the future, and they're the NY team, but I just can't bring myself to do it. However, if the possible 2nd NY expansion team goes through, I can see myself latching onto them. I'd like to see them go with a nice Royal Blue/Orange scheme (old NY colors, Dutch heritage, all that xnodx)

[LeopardFan04]

It will be interesting to see if people go to Chester for the game. The team's already had a fan group--the Sons of Ben--for awhile now. I think they took trips to NJ and DC to give crap to the Red Bulls and United. Unfortunately, the team name will probably be some crappy Euro-sounding ripoff along the lines of Real Salt Lake. I think Commodores would be great.

[schmofstra]

Whatever the name, they should wear a little Liberty Bell sillouette emblem on the chest.

[UNHWildCats]

It will be interesting to see if people go to Chester for the game. The team's already had a fan group--the Sons of Ben--for awhile now. I think they took trips to NJ and DC to give crap to the Red Bulls and United. Unfortunately, the team name will probably be some crappy Euro-sounding ripoff along the lines of Real Salt Lake. I think Commodores would be great.
I should make some "We Want Our Commodores" design and stick it on some tshirts on cafepress lol

[LeopardFan04]

I should make some "We Want Our Commodores" design and stick it on some tshirts on cafepress lol

I've heard a lot of people mention that name since the announcement was leaked last week or so. As long as the logo doesn't look like this:

http://image.listen.com/img/356x237/3/0/5/4/754503_356x237.jpg

I think it'd be great if they built the colors and crest around the Sons of Ben logo, especially the key/lightning, although I think the skull is a little too much:

http://enrico.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/05/25/jollyfranklincolorblacktrimweb2.jpg

[LeopardFan04]

I should add too that if they want to go Euro style with the name, then I vote for Philadelphia Athletic, or Athletic of Philadelphia, or something along those lines.

[UNHWildCats]

I should add too that if they want to go Euro style with the name, then I vote for Philadelphia Athletic, or Athletic of Philadelphia, or something along those lines.
the Oakland A's might fight that having previously been the Philly A's not sure if they would have a case or not/

[TheValleyRaider]

I should add too that if they want to go Euro style with the name, then I vote for Philadelphia Athletic, or Athletic of Philadelphia, or something along those lines.


the Oakland A's might fight that having previously been the Philly A's not sure if they would have a case or not/

They might have a case, but "Philadelphia Athletic" would be an awesome name. Sounds mildly European, and yet so American at the same time xnodx

[schmofstra]

There's still a Philadelphia Athletics fan club in the area, and that name would really tap into the city's sports nostalgia. I love it!

The supporters could be called Connie Mac's Army!

[T-Dog]

They'll be a good draw.

Now only if they put a team in Raleigh (Cary to be more specific) where the old women's league team played. They would draw really good.

[bluehenbillk]

It will be interesting to see if people go to Chester for the game.

That's the big question. Growing up in Delaware County, I wonder how many people really know how bad Chester is. My prediction 2010 they start, 2015 they fold. Philly ain't a soccer town, we're too knowledgeable.

[GannonFan]

That's the big question. Growing up in Delaware County, I wonder how many people really know how bad Chester is. My prediction 2010 they start, 2015 they fold. Philly ain't a soccer town, we're too knowledgeable.

Haven't they been fixing up the waterfront lately, though? I think there's a casino down there right now as well. Just like with Temple in Philly, they design these things with the surrounding war zone in mind - pretty much you never have to set foot in the surrounding neighborhood and it's a pretty insulated experience.

Kinda good that it's not in Philly - the area has plenty of soccer fans, especially west and south of the city. This location might be the best idea since it's easier for those to make the game then.

[Pards Rule]

That's the big question. Growing up in Delaware County, I wonder how many people really know how bad Chester is. My prediction 2010 they start, 2015 they fold. Philly ain't a soccer town, we're too knowledgeable.

Thats why they put it so near the bridge..Quick in, quick out..Then they park a dozen or so Chester PD cars along the main routes just like they do in Camden, NJ for the Campbell's Stadium (baseball) and the E-Center (whatever its name is now that Tweeter is bankrupt and not paying for the naming rights anymore).

[bluehenbillk]

Haven't they been fixing up the waterfront lately, though? I think there's a casino down there right now as well. Just like with Temple in Philly, they design these things with the surrounding war zone in mind - pretty much you never have to set foot in the surrounding neighborhood and it's a pretty insulated experience.

Kinda good that it's not in Philly - the area has plenty of soccer fans, especially west and south of the city. This location might be the best idea since it's easier for those to make the game then.


Yea it's on the waterfront but the opposite end from Harrah's. Harrah's is at the north end of Chester by Eddystone, this stadium will be just south of the Commodore Barry Bridge.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

They should just go balls-out and call themselves "Freedom FC". That would absolutely rule, with the Bell in their logo. And come what may I would do my best to catch at least one game a year. With a son that likes soccer, it might prove to be a nice day out.

Having said that, I am fearful that MLS doesn't know what they're doing in terms with the league. I think there is a real possibility the league will fold the same way the NASL did by spending fiendishly to get international stars. I think the league is making a massive mistake in denying what they are - a second-tier soccer league used to develop US soccer stars to play at first-tier Premiership chips - in order to fool themselves into thinking they can be the "American Premiership". If they try - and they seem to be doing just that - eventually it will bankrupt the league.

The reason for this is the teams in the league are really a cartel which keeps the salaries of their American-born players down while bending the rules to get Beckhams. Once the US-born players sue to get their just due - and they will someday - the whole league may fold since their business model won't work anymore.

[UNHWildCats]

They should just go balls-out and call themselves "Freedom FC". That would absolutely rule, with the Bell in their logo. And come what may I would do my best to catch at least one game a year. With a son that likes soccer, it might prove to be a nice day out.

Having said that, I am fearful that MLS doesn't know what they're doing in terms with the league. I think there is a real possibility the league will fold the same way the NASL did by spending fiendishly to get international stars. I think the league is making a massive mistake in denying what they are - a second-tier soccer league used to develop US soccer stars to play at first-tier Premiership chips - in order to fool themselves into thinking they can be the "American Premiership". If they try - and they seem to be doing just that - eventually it will bankrupt the league.

The reason for this is the teams in the league are really a cartel which keeps the salaries of their American-born players down while bending the rules to get Beckhams. Once the US-born players sue to get their just due - and they will someday - the whole league may fold since their business model won't work anymore.
xthumbsupx

[89Hen]

the stadium pic posted shows it will be in Chester PA
Ewwwwwww. xsmhx xnutsx xsmhx

[FCS Preview]

I didn't realize MLS was still active.

[Pards Rule]

According to today's Phila. Inquirer article about the MLS press conference in Chester PA yesterday, the last outdoor professional soccer team in Philadelphia was the Fury which left in 1980 to become the Montreal Manic. The Fury were the second team to fold in Philly following the Atoms which lasted only three years after winning a championship in their first season in 1973.

[blur2005]

On Big Soccer (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=958), Philadelphia Athletic is being backed as the perfect name, a nice balance between a Euro-sounding football name and the connection the city has to baseball's Athletics. Personally, I think that would be an awesome name. Philadelphia Independence FC is a favorite, too, and apparently MLS bought the url philadelphiaindependencefc.com at some point in the past.

One of the guys running The Sons of Ben is a moderator on the MLS board.

[89Hen]

Philadelphia Independence FC is a favorite, too, and apparently MLS bought the url philadelphiaindependencefc.com at some point in the past.
That's a lonnnnnng name. xeyebrowx

[schmofstra]

Athletico Filadelphico

[blur2005]

That's a lonnnnnng name. xeyebrowx
Yeah. There are others apparently that they've bought. A quick check of philadelphiaathletic.com says it now costs $1100 for the domain name. Seems Network Solutions is aware of the name's possible use. Phillyathletic.com is much cheaper.

[Ivytalk]

"Say, honey, whaddya say we run up to Chester tonight to watch the Athletic play? Then we can go out for a nightcap at...well, er, ahhh...the hell with it. Let's stay home and watch TV!"xwhistlex

[schmofstra]

"Say, honey, whaddya say we run up to Chester tonight to watch the Athletic play? Then we can go out for a nightcap at...well, er, ahhh...the hell with it. Let's stay home and watch TV!"xwhistlex

What'll actually happen is they'll stop at the casino before the game ... and never make it to the game cuz they can't buy the tickets anymore.xnonono2x

[bluehenbillk]

What'll actually happen is they'll stop at the casino before the game ... and never make it to the game cuz they can't buy the tickets anymore.xnonono2x


Or they won't go back on 95 & instead make the mistake of going cross-town through Chester & end up on the back of a milk carton.

[GannonFan]

Or they won't go back on 95 & instead make the mistake of going cross-town through Chester & end up on the back of a milk carton.

There'll probably be no physical way for someone to drive into Greater Chester from this stadium. If we can build a wall and fence along the US/Mexico border (or at least try to) it should be pretty simple to do so around a relatively modest soccer stadium. It's not like the city of Chester is a soccer mecca - there may not even be anyway into the stadium from Chester proper.

[blur2005]

"Say, honey, whaddya say we run up to Chester tonight to watch the Athletic play? Then we can go out for a nightcap at...well, er, ahhh...the hell with it. Let's stay home and watch TV!"xwhistlex
You'd say "let's go see Athletic play," not "the Athletic."

Though that'd be my choice, it probably won't be possible due to the Oakland A's, as the name would be based on the A's having been in Philly and be practically the same name.