The Philadelphia Union is officially in off-season mode. This week, the club announced plans to add premium seating to Subaru Park.
However, is this sending the right message to the fanbase?
The Union finds itself in a similar situation every off-season. The season ends, fans are eager to see how things change, and then everything stays the same. However, for the past few seasons, the Union has been able to hang its hat on improving year after year.
In 2024, the club fell down the stairs. The Union missed the playoffs and has an aging roster. Fans have been vocal about ownership’s need to open the checkbook and sign big-money players. However, it appears the first check is going to the stadium.
Right Idea, Wrong Execution
Along with an aging roster, the Union has an aging stadium. While Subaru Park has some of the best sightlines in the league, it is aging rapidly. The cramped concourse and limited capacity have hindered the Union fan experience at home, which is why stadium renovations are needed.
However, the only announced upgrades are for premium VIP seating—simply something that won’t matter to the average fan. Instead of adding seats to the river end or making the gameday experience more special to all the fans, the Union is adding seating options that will cost upwards of $10,000. Coming from a team that’s record signing is just a few million dollars; it is another slap in the face to Union fans.
Last off-season, all the money went into the new WSFS Sportsplex, which made parking even worse. This season, it looks like it is going to premium VIP seat additions. While the sportsplex and new seating options aren’t bad things, they completely contradict what the club has been saying for years.
Ownership is not interested in satisfying the needs of the everyday fan who pays to get into the stadium and support the team. Despite all the talk that “the fans are the top priority,” the actions still do not back that up.
Off-season is Still Young
We are still just a few weeks into the off-season. The first round of the MLS Playoffs isn’t even over yet. The Union could have some upgrades to seating for every other fan in store. The club could also be planning big signings. However, the past would tell fans not to get their hopes up.
If the big off-season plan is only upgrades for fans who can pay the most money, then the front office will reap what they sought. Philadelphia sports fans do not stand for mediocrity. Fans love the team’s crest. However, if ownership does not care about the fans who got them this far, then things will get worse.
A large number of fans have already opted out of being season ticket holders. Many will follow, and soon, the Union will be playing in front of half-filled stadiums every day.
Ownership needs to stop alienating the largest portion of the fanbase—the fans who just want to support their soccer club without having to spend thousands of dollars. Simultaneously, the front office should use the revenue generated to create a competitive team and improve the game day experience.
If premium seating is the only plan until 2025, then it is a slap in the face to Union fans.
PHOTO: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
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