"This is truly a landmark day for Philadelphia Union," stated Team President Tom Veit. "The opportunity to partner with not only one of the best television stations in the nation, but one of the most respected brands in the Delaware Valley, is something very special and meaningful to us as an organization. We know our fans will show their appreciation by tuning in and supporting WPVI, much like they have already shown their commitment to us."
6abc will use its on-air platform to expand their new partner's reach and impact in the community, while at the same time become a Keystone Level Sponsor of the team and its stadium. Additionally, WPVI and Philadelphia Union will explore and collaborate on creating new and unique media platforms, as the world's game comes to the Delaware Valley.
"There is a definite buzz about the Union soccer club, and 6abc is thrilled to be their broadcast partner, "said Bernie Prazenica, President & General Manager of 6abc. "We believe the MLS will be a great success in the Delaware Valley, both on the field and in the community, and we're excited to present this new team to our loyal viewers."
Philadelphia Union's first-ever First Kick will take place March 25, 2010 vs. Seattle Sounders FC at Seattle's Qwest Field. The club's home opener will be April 10, 2010 vs. D.C. United at Lincoln Financial Field.
For more information on Philadelphia Union, please visit www.philadelphiaunion.com.
ABOUT KEYSTONE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT LLC
Keystone Sports and Entertainment, LLC, is the Philadelphia Union ownership group. It is comprised of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of iStar Financial Jay Sugarman, CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz, Christopher and Robert Buccini and David Pollin, founding partners of the Buccini Pollin Group, Swarthmore Group's Jim Nevels (Chairman) and Paula Mandle (CEO), and Philadelphia attorney William Doran. For more information about Philadelphia Union, visit www.philadelphiaunion.com.
ABOUT WPVI-TV AND 6abc
WPVI-TV is the ABC owned station serving the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys. www.6abc.com
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. MLS features many stars from the U.S., Canada, and around the world. MLS kicked off its 14th season on March 19, and will feature 15 teams each playing 30 regular season matches. They include:
Philadelphia Union will debut as an expansion team in 2010, while expansion teams in Vancouver and Portland will debut in 2011.
For more information about MLS, log on to the League's official website at www.MLSnet.com.
