Major League Soccer Stadium Breaks Ground Near Philadelphia

December 2, 2008 3:00 p.m. EST

Chester, PA (AHN) - Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber watched as the ground was broken for the new 18,500-seat stadium for Philadelphia's MLS team. The ground breaking was long awaited.

The stadium will sit at the foot of the Commodore Barry Bridge, 13 miles from Philadelphia.

The team, the Sons of Ben, will begin play in the MLS in 2010 with a stadium that is packed with all the works.

The stadium features a 11,000-square-foot-club, 30 suites, built in concert stage and a waterfront park. Maybe players can jump in the water after scoring goals, should the team be successful.

The stadium is part of a $500 million entertainment, retail and residential development covering the area.

The construction of the stadium could not come at a better time with the economy the way it is today. The stadium will create 700 new jobs and maybe 1,900 more down the road.

In addition, with the economy in the tank, mixed-use facility like the new stadium will become more commonplace.

Garber said Philadelphia fans, most of all, would appreciate the new team and the new stadium. He raved about the committed Philadelphia fans, terrific ownership of the team and stadium to come.

In addition to the new Philadelphia team, the MLS plans expansion to 18 teams by 2011.