This wasn't just your average press conference with an announcement. What took place adjacent to the Chester waterfront on Thursday afternoon was a marquee event, the type of event worthy of a celebration.
And that's exactly what it was, beginning with the string band welcoming everyone into Turbine Hall. There was music and a video tribute. There was a VIP lounge waiting after the fact.
Oh, and could forget the 200-plus members of "Sons of Ben", one of the largest fan groups in the country with 1,600 and counting, according to president Bryan James. They chanted and applauded throughout the press conference and also awarded Sons of Ben scarves to the local business executives who help broker the major deal.
Major League Soccer, welcome to Philadelphia, specifically the city of Chester, the oldest city in the state of Pennsylvania dating all the way back to 1644. MLS Commissioner Don Garber officially introduced the league's 16th club at 2:10 p.m., setting off one round of cheers after another.
The yet-to-be-named club -- fans will soon participate in a team-naming contest -- will begin play in 2010 in a brand-new 18,500-seat stadium to be constructed at the base of the Commodore Barry Bridge, which connects Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The stadium is part of a larger $500 million entertainment, retail, residential and business development complex which will cover more than 60 acres along the Chester waterfront.
"This is a day to celebrate after all of the hard work that so many people put into this project," said Nick Sakiewicz, CEO and operating partner of Keystone Sports and Entertainment LLC, which will run the Philadelphia team. "From the very beginning, this ownership group has had one goal and that's to bring a team to this area. There is so much history with soccer in this region and so much passion as well. Now, we'll work toward putting together a first-class team which can bring some trophies home."
Garber pointed out that the Philadelphia market is the fourth-largest in the United States and was also the largest without an MLS club.
Not anymore.
While the league has wanted to place a team in the market since it launched in 1996, the timing was never quite right. With the right stadium deal and all the other pieces in place, it was the perfect time.
"We have always been enamored with the city of Philadelphia and the great soccer fans they have around here," Garber said. "Even when there have been soccer events in this city, the attendance figures were always strong. There are a great group of people in place here committed to this. We think MLS is very fortunate to have this team as our 16th team."
So do local dignitaries.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter even joked about the painstaking process to secure the team.
"We may have been a little slow showing up, but when we do, we kick butt," Nutter said.
Chester Mayor Wendell Butler Jr. began to get somewhat teary-eyed when asked about what the deal meant to his city.
"It's unbelievable, really," Butler said. "I feel like we hit the jackpot. This will create so many jobs and give people hope. It will strengthen an economy locally. There are so many benefits. To see so many good things soon happening to this city I feel so strongly about, well, it means the world to me. I truly can't believe it."
Soccer players and coaches with ties to the Philadelphia area couldn't be happier.
Chris Albright, who hails from Philadelphia, has won three MLS Cup championships with D.C. United and the Los Angeles Galaxy. One of the league's top right backs, Albright was traded to the New England Revolution on Jan. 18 in exchange for allocation money.
"Having grown up in the soccer community of Philadelphia, I know that there isn't a city more starved for the world's game," Albright said. "The addition of a Major League Soccer team in Philly is a great moment for the youth players, the city and the passionate fans that have supported the game for so many years."
Jeff Larentowicz echoed similar thoughts.
"I couldn't be happier to hear that the league has decided to announce Philadelphia will be the next team added to MLS," said Larentowicz, a member of the New England Revolution who grew up in West Chester, Pa. and played with FC Delco, a youth club he helps coach the team in the offseason. "The city and the soccer community in that region have a real passion for the sport and for sport in general that will permeate throughout the league. There is already a base of fans that have fought to bring the team to the area, the Sons of Ben, and it will only continue to grow."
The Philadelphia team will announce its name, colors and logo at a later date as well as the coaching staff and other pertinent information. For now, season ticket deposits can be made by calling 877-MLS-2010. Orders are already coming in, thanks in large part to the Sons of Ben.
"The 'Sons of Ben' are what's great about the sport of soccer," Sakiewicz said. "Look at the excitement they're bringing and the team isn't even going to play a game for two years. It's just phenomenal. I think the excitement generated by this franchise and all the development surrounding it will also generate strong ticket sales. We're all very excited."
Philadelphia is the sixth team added to the league since 2005 and the league is excited about every addition. Especially this particular one.
"I can give you season ticket numbers from the recent teams we added and they're all good," Garber said. "I think Philadelphia will be great because the plan in place is solid. The fan base is here. We are absolutely thrilled to be here."
The Philadelphia Atoms played in the city from 1973-76 and the Fury had a three-year stint from 1978-80. There was also a recent brief stay by the Philadelphia Charge of the Women's United Soccer Association which has ceased operations but could return in a couple of years.
This MLS club will be so much more. That's why Thursday's press conference was built up as a mammoth celebration.
It was fitting.
"For all of us in Sons of Ben and all the soccer fans around here, this is just incredible," James said. "We've been waiting and waiting and now it's here. It's incredible to think this team will be playing in just a couple of years. Our group is so excited about this franchise."
Andy Jasner is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
