Philadelphia to host MLS All-Star Game

Philadelphia Union’s PPL Park will host this year’s MLS All-Star game on July 25, it has been announced.

The MLS All Stars’ opponents remain unknown, but MLS commissioner Don Garber said he expected an announcement in the next two months.

It marks a rapid rise for the Union, who became the 16th team in the United States’ league in 2010 and have had strong attendances in their two seasons.

Located in Chester, PPL Park is an 18,500-capacity stadium sitting alongside the Delaware River.

Garber, who was alongside Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz, Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter and Chester mayor John Linder for the announcement, said the fans deserved the game.

“It’s a passionate franchise with passionate fans and one of the greatest small stadiums around,” Garber said.

“We think the franchise and the stadium are deserving of this event, and we believe this is going to be an incredible event not only for the fans here, but fans watching all over the world.”

Last year’s game was held at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, with English Premier League giants Manchester United beating the top MLS players 4-0.

Union CEO Sakiewicz hailed his club’s progress, saying it was ‘amazing’ how far they had come.

“I’m anxious to find out the opponent like everybody else,” he said.

“You know what, from where we were four years ago, when we didn’t even have a stadium, to where we are now, this is amazing. I think the fans are going to be rewarded in a big way.”

“It’s going to be one heck of a party.”