"We're thrilled to accept another award on behalf of PPL Park," said Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. "Our intention since we began work on this project was to not only build a first-class home for the Union, but to provide the Chester Waterfront and Delaware County with an iconic landmark. We can't wait to re-open the gates on March 26 for our first full year in the stadium."
A state-of-the-art Major League Soccer Stadium seating 18,500 fans, PPL Park is the anchor of a $500 million waterfront revitalization project meant to bring revitalized energy and life to the area. The stadium is the fifth land development project from the City of Chester to garner the award, the most recent being Harrah's Chester Casino and Race Track in 2007.
The William H. Bates Memorial Award was originally established in 1980 as the Outstanding Land Development Award to "encourage developers and municipalities to cooperate in providing a more efficient use of land and public services for County residents." In 1982, the program was renamed in honor of William H. Bates to honor his 17 years of service on the Planning Commission.
(Copyright 2011 Philadelphia Union. Reprinted by permission)
