Sports in Philadelphia (Chester: neighborhood, college, living in)

[BajanYankee]

Hey guys...someone told me that the Philadelphia Union are more popular than the Sixers and the Flyers. Now being that I haven't lived in Philadelphia since I was 17, I figured that I would defer to the people still living in the city. So...would you say that the Union are currently more popular than the Sixers?

Also, do you find that there's much discussion about Union games in barbershops and bars? And in terms of overall participation (organized and unorganized), what sport do you most commonly find Philadelphians playing?

[RightonWalnut]

As far as I'm concerned the Union are not more popular than either team.... especially with both the Sixers and the Flyers being phenomenal teams right now.

[BajanYankee]

I didn't even know Philly had a soccer team. Nobody in my family knew about it. None of my friends knew about it.

[soug]

Originally Posted by BajanYankee

Hey guys...someone told me that the Philadelphia Union are more popular than the Sixers and the Flyers. Now being that I haven't lived in Philadelphia since I was 17, I figured that I would defer to the people still living in the city. So...would you say that the Union are currently more popular than the Sixers?

Also, do you find that there's much discussion about Union games in barbershops and bars? And in terms of overall participation (organized and unorganized), what sport do you most commonly find Philadelphians playing?

Negative, although they are relatively popular amongst a certain set. I'd say the MLS still isn't in the consciousness of most Philly-area people yet. Maybe in another five years it will be.

[PhillyViaBoston]

The Union's new stadium is really fantastic. Just a beautiful arena with nice seats, concessions & facilities. Yes, it's in Chester, but it's easy to get to, there is plenty of parking and it's safe.

Additionally, the atmosphere at the games is great. A huge contingent of "Sons of Ben" sit behind one goal and lead cheers & fight songs. It's very festive and a lot of fun.

I can't say enough good things about the Union. For the price, they're my favorite sporting event in Philly, particularly if you want to bring kids. Whether or not they have more general appeal than the Sixers or Flyers, I don't know, but the Union is tops in my demographic.

DOOP!

[soug]

Yep, the Sons of Ben are intense, they made the atmosphere feel almost like a college game.

[Pine to Vine]

Bajan - Whoever told you that is either mistaken or a real soccer fan (and there are some). The Union are really an after-thought among most folks here. Flyers and Sixers games are always front page on the sports section while the Union are always a few pages in. No way do they capture the attention of the Sixers or Flyers.

[Marius Pontmercy]

People throw that out there because of attendance. The Union's stadium usually sells out and because of that they posted a higher average game attendance record. The 76ers and Flyers both play indoors, which limits the size of the stadium. I'm sure way more people are watching Flyers and 76ers games than Union games on tv. That said, and as a big footy fan myself, the Union are/were a really great team, and the new stadium has an awesome atmosphere to it. The last coach put the team in the toilet though, so hopefully the next guy gets stuff together.

[kidphilly]

No. but that may vary by individual though would think there more indviduals that would agree with me than would not.

Agree with the Phillyviaboston sentimnet on a great atomasphere for people bringing kids, especially for the money. On the whole though am glad to see the Union doing well and personal think they make for a great addition to Philly sports

[Trip33]

As stated by all, the Union might be the 5th most popular sports team in the city. They certainly rank above the Soul (Arena football) or the Wings (lacrosse). They enjoy a very dedicated fan base though.

As far as the most common sport being played by youths? I would say basketball which probably has to do with the abundance of public court, simplicity of equipment (a ball) and availability of pick-up games. In my neighborhood (northeast), a lot of kids will play street hockey during the winter and wiffle or stick ball in the summer; but they pretty much all play basketball.