When it comes to business decisions, fans are usually on the outside, waiting for professional sports teams to do what they believe is best.
There is always an exception to the rule.
The Sons of Ben, a supporters' group with more than 1,600 members, helped convince Major League Soccer that the Philadelphia fan base was definitely ready and willing to support an expansion club. In fact, Bryan James, the club's co-founder and president, even took part in the celebration of Wednesday's announcement at Turbine Hall, adjacent to the Chester waterfront.
"You can never underestimate the passion of the fans," said Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. "You can't measure it. The Sons of Ben have been waiting for soccer in this area for so long. Now they have it and they're going to be loud and give this team a true homefield advantage. Believe me, this group's excitement and desire had a lot to do with why we're here announcing this franchise."
An estimated 150 Sons of Ben members chanted and clapped throughout the press conference as they waved their recognizable blue and yellow scarves. Sons of Ben is a reference to Benjamin Franklin and the group walked around with a sign displaying a skeleton depicting the historical figure.
"We're so happy to be part of this whole process," James said. "It really is amazing that this day has finally come."
The Sons of Ben officially came together in January 2007 after discussing the concept at a bar in Philadelphia in late '06.
James, Andrew Dillon and David Flagler were three of the original members with an initial goal of 100 members. Even without an MLS team, the group continued to grow, proving to James how much interest soccer draws throughout the region.
"We just hit 1,600 and counting," James said. "It is truly amazing to see the expansion."
James was a huge fan of D.C. United when MLS made its debut in 1996. As the idea of an expansion club in the Philadelphia area came closer and closer to fruition, James realized he was going to switch his allegiance.
"We're all Philly fans now," James said. "We may have fans of D.C. United or the [New York] Red Bulls or other teams but not anymore. This is our team and it's a dream come true. I think the members of our fan club understand soccer and understand the league. Now, we'll all be rooting for our team. We'll know the great rivalries and what to look for."
There's no need to look anymore because the team is a reality. In 2010, there will be MLS games in a beautiful 18,500-seat soccer-specific stadium along the Chester waterfront.
The Sons of Ben will be there every step of the way.
"This has been a labor of love," James said. "We hope to have 3,000 members by the time the team kicks off. I want the Sons of Ben to be the true Philadelphia fans, the 700 level fans who went to Veterans Stadium and cheered on the Phillies and Eagles. I want to make it like the old days with our fans standing, cheering and giving our team all the support we can."
Can he wait two more years?
"I don't know," James said, laughing. "I've been so excited that I haven't been able to sleep. I'm like a kid at Christmas right now."
Andy Jasner is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
