Philadelphia to Host 2012 All-Start Major League Soccer Game

On January 24, the Philadelphia Union and Major League Soccer (MLS) announced that Philadelphia will be the host city for the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game. The annual showcase event will feature three days of festivities, culminating in a match between the League’s top players and a renowned international club on July 25 at Chester, PA’s PPL Park, home of the Philadelphia Union and its boisterous supporters, the Sons of Ben.

The 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2, Galavision or Telefutura and in Canada on TSN and RDS. ESPN International will make the game available live in more than 100 countries. In addition, the All-Star Game will be carried online and on smartphones and tablets via ESPN3 and WatchESPN in the United States.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter and City of Chester Mayor John Linder joined MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz for the announcement today at City Hall.

“Major League Soccer has chosen to host this year’s All-Star Game at PPL Park with good reason,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “The Philadelphia region is centrally located, growing in population and has a rich sports culture. The Philadelphia Union have quickly enhanced Philly’s sports traditions with the most dedicated MLS fan base in the nation. I have no doubt there will be a fantastic turnout for this year’s festivities.”

Impressively, the statements of Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner, Nick Sakiewicz, are directly in line with the mission of Global Philadelphia Association. Mr. Sakiewicz said that the Union's goal is to help Philadelphia "take its rightful place in the international community," and what better way to do that than through an international sport as popular as soccer.

See more from this press conference below, and read more about this great accomplishment for the City here.