FANPOST: PPL Park Spoiled Me

We’ve been compared to English fans in our ferocity, and Seattle fans in our proud defiance of America’s soccer-phobia. Thanks to the fans, PPL Park (itself a testament to our devotion) has become the new Mecca of American soccer. If you don’t believe us, look elsewhere in MLS- our commitment shames cities whose clubs have longer histories and better records. Below, a southern Union fan describes the view from the other side of the fence, and reminds us all that the grass is way, way greener in Philly.

My first MLS game was Union vs. Toronto FC at PPL Park. I had never been to a profession soccer stadium before. PPL Park is gorgeous. I find it to be open yet still homey. I want to get married there.

The seats my friend, Anna, got us were beyond what I was expecting. I want to sit there every time I go see a game. I even had this cool older man sitting to my left, sharing our comments and agreements. It was a great experience and I can’t wait to get back in October.

Being from Virginia, and a Union fan, when I found out they were playing DC United at RFK Stadium I was excited that I didn’t have to drive five hours to see them. But I was in for disappointment.

Since being spoiled by PPL Park, I have to say that RFK stadium was a hot mess compared to it. Finding a parking lot was confusing. I drove around the whole stadium looking for a lot that was accessible to my walking-impaired mother, who later pointed out that none of the staff at RFK bothered to inform her of the existence of an elevator that she should’ve been using to get around. Way to be considerate to your visitors.

While walking to our seats, I noticed that it was semi-deserted. I thought that was because we were there an hour before game time, but the stadium did not fill up much more.

As for concessions, the fries I had were mediocre. I haven’t actually eaten the ones at PPL Park yet, but from their appearance and smell I can bet they’re better. [Editor’s note: They are.] The vendor also took the cap from my water bottle which was not cool, considering the seats did not have cup holders.

Our seats weren’t too bad, with a great view of the field, and of course we were able to move up once the game started. They were also shielded from the rain, which may have been the only real positive aspect to my visit.

But the one thing that REALLY bothered us was the atmosphere of the whole place.

It is nothing compared to PPL Park. The people there didn’t seem to care about the game. We saw a guy who brought a newspaper. People arrived fifteen minutes into the game. Worst of all, we could barely hear DC United’s supporters section (which I have learned are actually three different splinter groups). What I could hear were the Sons of Ben. They made themselves known both entering and leaving the stadium.

There just seemed to be too much besides soccer going on, with people constantly getting up and walking the aisles. I don’t think I want to go back if the games are going to be like that. It’s just not worth it to drive out if I can’t have a better atmosphere than I’d have at home with just my mom, myself, and five cats.