CHESTER, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Union plan to build a $55 million sports and recreational complex on 32 acres of land along the Chester waterfront.
The project is expected to redevelop and revitalize 32 acres of riverfront near the Subaru Park soccer stadium, while including training facilities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It gives me great pride and joy to formally announce the WSFS Bank Sportsplex,” Union President Tim McDermott announced as he unveiled plans for the 170,000-square foot sports complex.
It will include seven grass and turf fields, multi-sport indoor courts, a field house with an indoor turf field, a 20,000-square foot performance center with a professional weight room and track, and the new home of Philadelphia Union Academy.
“The WSFS Sportsplex will enable us to enhance the Union’s position as a top club in MLS and our academy as one of, If not the best, soccer academy in the U.S.,” said Jay Sugarman, the Union’s chair and majority owner.
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“It’s really going to create opportunities through sport, to elevate Chester and make this riverfront an iconic destination in this region.”
Youth in the community will also have opportunities to utilize the facility for all sorts of sports.
“This project is also an important investment in our youth,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor.
“It creates a premier destination for local youth groups, to fall in love with sports. And hundreds of hours will be donated to local community to utilize the facility for all sorts of sports.”
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The Union said the project will bring an estimated $90 million boost to the region's economy over the next decade.
“This is going to be an amazing facility when you couple the Sportsplex with Subaru Park for the World Cup 2026,” said McDermott.
The full project is expected to be completed in June of 2024.