Hello Away Traveler!
We meet again in Philly, where we took the 2014 U.S. Open Cup, but have yet to win a regular season game. This is why our boys will need all of us behind them and YOU will be a part of that, along with all of the other Sounders singing for our boys, until the end. So, here’s everything you need to know for this match day:
Tickets:
Your Philly Away Ticket(s) to stand with the Emerald City Supporters for the match on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA are attached to this email! Print your ticket(s), bring them with you, and keep it with you for the entirety of the match.
Transportation & Parking:
For those taking transit in from downtown Philly, the best option is to take the train from downtown Philly also known at SEPTA. You will need to take the SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail line to the Chester T.C. stop. You can find the SEPTA Wilmington schedule by clicking here (Uber/cab will run you $40+ one way). We suggest getting on the #223 train or earlier, e.g. getting on at Suburban Station (17th & JFK Blvd) at 4:34 PM. Given the train only runs once an hour on weekends and you still need to take the Union's shuttle, plan on the earlier train. When you get off the train at the Chester T.C. stop, take the Union's free shuttle to the stadium, and walk over to Lot A and join those at the tailgate.
For those driving in, the away supporter parking is in Lot A (48 Norris St, Chester, PA 19013). Parking is $20 per vehicle, CASH ONLY. ECS plans to arrive early around 3:30-4:00 PM to establish a tailgate area. Please find a link to the parking lot map by clicking here, and be sure to put in Talen Energy Stadium into your Google Maps or Waze app when you embark. If you’re looking to coordinate rides, be sure to post on the thread for this trip in the ECS forum or on the Seattle Sounders East Facebook page.
Tailgate/Pre-Function:
A no-host tailgate is planned for the pre-match at Lot A. All Sounders away travelers are encouraged to bring a little something to share, encouraged to hang out, meet their fellow supporters, and of course sing! Looking to meetup prior to Saturday? Feel free to post on the forum trip thread or SSE Facebook page mentioned above.
Stadium Entry:
No later than 6:30 PM we will all meet in Lot A (see link to parking map above) where we will be met by stadium security to conduct a quick safety meeting, and then escort us into the section. Please be prepared for bag checks, pat downs, and metal detectors at the gate. The bag policy is no larger than 14x14x6. Philly does not have a clear bag requirement. The only tifo items that will be allowed are flags on poles no longer than 5 feet.
Gametime Expectations:
Emerald City Supporters is a supporter group. That's important to remember. Our reason for being at the match is to spur our boys on toward victory; everything else is secondary.
- • If you bought tickets through ECS our section will be in the upper part of Section 133. Our section will be treated as General Admission; we do not enforce seat assignments. Tifo, capos, drum, and security will be in the front 1-2 rows. Everyone else is invited to stand where they feel most comfortable.
• Participation is encouraged. We'll have song cards so you can sing, chant, and go mental right along with us. Don't worry if you don't know all of the words, just follow along the best you can, and your support will be felt!
• Friends or family in other non-Sounders MLS team gear or colors will not be allowed to stand with us. If you or someone in your group is wearing colors of another MLS team, they will be asked to remove those items. If they refuse, we will try to have your group reseated. If the stadium staff cannot accommodate a reseating, then your group will be asked to leave.
• Please, do not engage in any way with home fans, and tie your scarves around your neck. Security will keep home fans at bay; there's no need to engage in any wordplay, taunting, threats, etc. If you have an issue, notify ECS Security, Travel Monkey, or stadium staff.
We will be held in the section for about 15 minutes. Security will then escort the group back out to Lot A. Train riders will then go as a group to take the shuttle back to the train, and train back to downtown Philly. The rest of us will be driving out; don’t be afraid to ask for a ride!
Itinerary Recap:
As always, make SURE you check with the travel monkey on the ground for the latest schedule/details.
- • 9:00 AM-Noon: Stumble out of bed, get some breakfast, and watch some footy
• Noon-3:00 PM: Watch more footy, start getting ready, and make your way over to Lot A
• 3:00-4:30 PM: Train Riders catch SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail, drivers start parking in Lot A
• 5:30 PMish: Train Riders join the tailgate in progress
• 6:30 PM: Make sure all tifo accounted for, meet with security, and begin group entry process
• 7:30 PM: Kick off
• 7:31 PM: OWN THE PLACE, GO MENTAL
• 9:30 PMish: VICTORY, CELEBRATE 3 POINTS
• 9:45 PMish: Stadium exit, escorted to Lot A, while train riders make their way to the SEPTA station together
• Rest of the night: Enjoy a Saturday night in Philly
Note: Your Travel Monkeys for this weekend will be Jack Burtch & Nikki Graziano. Monkeys can be reached at travel@weareecs.com or on twitter (@ecstravelmonkey). If you need immediate assistance, please reach out to Jack directly, by phone at 425-233-9104 or by email at jack.burtch@gmail.com.
