The Philadelphia Union made their Major League Soccer debut against the Sounders Seattle two weeks ago, but their real beginning as member of the city's sports scene comes this Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field.
Philly's reputation as a tough sports town is well-earned. From the regular booing of their own teams when the play isn't up to snuff, to the now mythical story of Eagles fans pelting Santa Claus with snowballs, Philadelphia is where good feelings in the world of sports go to die.
It makes the Union's home opener perhaps the most important home debut for any expansion team in the modern MLS era. With their soccer specific home in Chester still under construction, the Union will play DC United on Saturday in an American football venue; on one hand, this provides them an opportunity to sell more tickets than they could at PPL Park. On the other, the number of empty seats at the Linc will suck away some of the atmosphere of the game, making the product less appealing to both fans there in person there for curiosity and not yet committed to supporting the team passionately, as well locals (potential fans) who might see the game on TV.
The Union has a lot going for them in terms of support. We know that the Sons of Ben will be at every match, and that their numbers are significant. The Union leadership seems to be getting things right, both with the selling of their product and their attempts to marry the club to the local sports scene. But success is not guaranteed, no matter how good things look prior to the club's home debut, and though many are confident that the club will sell out PPL Park when it opens and the team will make an impact on the Philly scene, only time will tell. As of this writing, 25,000 tickets have been sold for this weekend's match, a number that is equal parts impressive and disappointing. It's difficult to criticize the team for selling more tickets thank anyone but Seattle can manage, but it's disappointing to think that such a large venue will go less than half-filled.
If the enthusiasm for a team that will struggle to keep their heads above water on the field all season thanks to a long term plan that includes a collections of young, inexperienced players is to carry through the year, the Union will need to connect with as many fans as possible through atmosphere and excitement rather than results.
Even as I have faith they can achieve that goal, I wonder when the collective teeth of the Philly sports community will come out. If the Union lose on Saturday, and show no signs of improvement over their opening night debacle, how quickly will a city that loves winners and is known for turning on their own stick with them?
