Independence to play at WCU

The Philadelphia Independence announced today that the team will play its 2010 home games at West Chester University’s John A. Farrell Stadium, 20 miles west of the city in Chester County and 15 miles north of Wilmington, DE.

The stadium is also less than ten miles from the team’s training home at the United Sports Training Center in Downingtown. According to Independence Owner/CEO David Halstead, “during the past few months we have worked hard to deliver to Philly a roster of exceptional soccer players that fans are proud to support, a youth program that delivers connectivity to every youth athlete in the area, a responsive and affordable outreach and ticketing program, and now through this partnership with West Chester University, a playing venue that gives 7,500 screaming fans a terrific game day experience. This stadium agreement completes our road ahead toward the 2010 season’s start. Now we have to fill the seats with fans eager to welcome our great players to the city.”

West Chester University has a proud sports tradition that spans the University’s 24 NCAA Div II athletic programs. Its largest playing venue, John A. Farrell stadium, was upgraded in 2006 with new Field Turf and hosts the school’s football, soccer, and lacrosse games. The stadium sits in the middle of the WCU campus, with close proximity and traveling convenience to Philadelphia, western PA, Delaware, and southern NJ, and boasts convenient parking for attendance as high as 10,000, although official stadium seating is 7,500.

“In addition to its convenient location, the great thing about this venue for the Independence fan,” says General Manager Terry Foley, “is that every seat is close to the field, with no line of sight obstructions. All the essentials for a great fan experience are here – fan and kids club areas surrounding the stadium; hospitality and VIP tents and cabanas so close to the action the players are easily heard; convenient parking, merchandise vendors, concessions, and restroom facilities; and reserved seating for 7,500 with 90% of the seats between the 18-yard lines. In the first year of play for our new franchise, and with final tenant leases not completed for the new MLS Chester Stadium, this venue and partnership with WCU is perfect for the Independence inaugural season. Now we’ll get busy filling all 7,500 seats.”

WCU Director of Athletics Dr. Ed Matejkovic stated, “The University is proud to host the Philadelphia Independence and women’s professional soccer. Our institution is committed to academic and athletic excellence, and to strong principles that foster the growth of opportunities for our youth, our community, and for women’s sports. WCU welcomes the opportunity to be part of the Independence and will do everything it can to support the needs of the team and its fans on and off the field.”