CHESTER (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia Union players will see more friendly faces in the stands on Saturday.
There will be an increase in the number of fans allowed inside Subaru Park when the Union take on Inter Miami FC in their home opener.
There were a small amount of fans allowed at the end of last season, but there will be an even greater amount of support at the start of the 2021 home portion of the schedule.
After waiting to hear more chants from the 'Sons of Ben' and other fans, Union defender Jack Elliott was excited to have the increase in fan support.
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"We're all buzzing for the fans to comes back and see everyone for the first regular season game at home," said Elliott.
"It’s always better with fans. Just excited to get everyone into the stadium again."
Union coach Jim Curtin is well aware of how the players feed off the fans. He is hoping the players will take advantage of the increased fan support when they take the field on Saturday night.
"You only get one home opener," Curtain said.
"The players will be excited and anxious for that. Looking forward to putting on a strong showing in front of our fans."
Curtin's team will have a chance for plenty of strong showings early in the season. Five of their first seven regular season games will be at home before the team gets some time off early in June.
Curtin talked to his players about feeding off the home crowd and taking advantage of more home games with more fans over the next six weeks.
"We talked to the group," said Curtin. "It’s a real sprint until that June break. We have the Champions League, two games there, and then five home and two away, and we know we’re a very good team in Subaru Park."
There will be restrictions for fans at the stadium. There will be no cash purchases and all fans must wear masks and follow COVID-19 safety protocols.
But the fans will be back, and players such as Kacper Przybylko can't wait.
"It’s our field," Przybylko said. "It’s our home here and this is the best part, playing in front of our fans. I can’t wait for it again."