Stadium plan could land MLS franchise in Philadelphia

The state of Pennsylvania will try to lure an MLS franchise to Philadelphia by offering a stadium funding package worth USD 47 million.

The stadium would be sited in suburban Chester as part of a USD 414 million project named Rivertown. The development would include a convention center, offices, apartments, townhouses, retail space, parking garage and parks and play areas along the waterfront city.

USD 25 million would go directly to the 18,500-seat stadium if the MLS announces a franchise will be located there. A total of USD 30 million would come from Delaware County and the city of Chester. Another USD 10 million could come from the Delaware River Port Authority.

"I believe this guarantees that Chester will be one of the first-class cities in Pennsylvania," Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell said. "A great place to work, to live and to play in the city of Chester."

MLS commissioner Don Garber said the move was a very positive step for the city in landing a franchise. "The Philadelphia market just took a big step forward and is now well positioned to receive an MLS expansion team," read a Garber statement. "The opportunity to be part of a large-scale urban renewal project along the historic Chester waterfront remains extremely appealing to us."

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.