Dec 15, 2025
·Mary Callahan
Located just across the Commodore Barry Bridge, Subaru Park serves as the home field for Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union and Gotham FC of the NWSL. With a seating capacity of around 18,500 for soccer and expandable to approximately 26,000 for concerts, this sleek, purpose-built stadium combines waterfront views with modern amenities and passionate fan culture.
About Subaru Park
Location: 1 Stadium Drive, Chester, PA
Opened: June 2010 (originally named PPL Park; later Talen Energy Stadium)
Capacity: ~18,500 for soccer; up to ~26,000 for concerts
Field Surface: Natural grass, 120 × 75 yards
Facilities: 30 luxury suites, a full-service club restaurant (11,000 sq ft), large supporter section for 2,000 fans, sideline canopies, built-in stage for concerts
Notable Features: Open terraces, riverfront promenade, designed for fan proximity to the action
Events & Programming
Subaru Park serves several roles including:
Hosting Philadelphia Union MLS matches and Gotham FC games.
Major international soccer events and youth tournaments.
Annual lacrosse championships (e.g., NCAA quarterfinals, ACC finals), the College Cup, Premier Lacrosse League games.
Concerts up to 26,000 capacity using the built-in stage and waterfront setting.
Occasional community events and ultimate/Drum Corps competitions.
Getting There
By Car: Easily accessible from I-95, US-322 and through the Commodore Barry Bridge. Designated stadium lots (Lots A, B, C, E, F) offer game-day parking; preregistration is recommended to avoid delays. Lot F is onsite at ~$40, while other lots around $30 per event.
By Train/Shuttle: SEPTA’s Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail line drops off at Chester Transportation Center. A complimentary shuttle runs from there to the stadium.
Rideshare: A designated Uber/Lyft zone sits near Lot E, making arrivals/departures smoother. Ubers are staged by halftime on match days.
Stadium Experience & Gates
Gates open: Subaru Plaza two hours before kickoff; main gates, suites/club and supporter decks start 90 minutes before; General Admission opens one hour before.
Guest Services and first aid resources are centrally located for assistance throughout events.
Seating & Premium Options
Supporters’ Section (South Ward): Home to Union’s most vocal fans—standing-room only with chanting, drums and tifos. Holds about 2,000 supporters.
Sideline Stands: Close seating along sidelines, many under cover from the elements. Good views and fan proximity.
Club Restaurant & Lux Suites: Premium offerings include 2010 North speakeasy lounge, The Commodore pub-themed field seats, loge boxes with in-seat service and Seaport Terrace Suites with riverfront views. Pricing begins around $5,000–$5,800 per season seat.
Food & Beverage
Expect a mix of local Philadelphia flavors and stadium staples:
Philly favorites like cheesesteaks, crab fries from Chickie’s & Pete’s, pretzels and burgers.
Rotating craft vendors and expanded offerings added in 2025 upgrades. Concessions support mobile ordering and fast self-checkout.
Atmosphere
Matches bring packed crowds and loud, engaging support from fans throughout the stadium.
Thanks to its riverside setting beneath the Commodore Barry Bridge, tailgating and fan zones extend into scenic outdoor plazas.
The stadium’s design keeps seating close to the pitch and amplifies sound, creating pressure on visiting players.
Sustainability & Legacy
Subaru Park is MLS’s first zero-landfill stadium, diverting over 1.2 million pounds of waste from landfills.
Environmental initiatives include planting trees for Union goals and 'Garden for Good' food donations.
The stadium has spurred Chester’s riverfront redevelopment, forming a civic anchor as part of broader economic revitalization.
Notable Highlights
The Philadelphia Union played their first match at Lincoln Financial Field in March 2010 before the stadium opened in June of the same year with their inaugural home MLS win over Seattle.
Hosted NCAA lacrosse finals, Army-Navy soccer matches, international World Cup qualifiers and Drum Corps events.
Underwent audio and venue upgrades ahead of the 2025 season, including a new sound system and expanded hospitality space.
Policies & Fan Tips
Clear bag policy enforced; larger bags prohibited. Bags may be inspected.
Security includes metal detectors upon entry.
Re-entry is not permitted.
ADA seating, elevators and accessible restrooms are available. Event staff assist with inclusion needs.
Pro Tips:
Arrive early to avoid post-game traffic bottlenecks.
Fans traveling by train should catch the shuttle at Chester Transportation Center.
Visit areas like Subaru Plaza and waterfront walkways before the match to soak up the vibe.
Why Subaru Park Stands Out
Subaru Park offers an intimate but modern soccer atmosphere with strong community ties. Its compact design ensures fans feel connected to the action, while riverside green spaces and tailgate-friendly surroundings create a unique matchday vibe. A home base for MLS’s Union, it also serves as a versatile venue for lacrosse, concerts and community events—making it a standout sports destination in the Philadelphia region.
Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek
Whether you're cheering on the Philadelphia Union, enjoying Gotham FC, catching an international soccer match, or attending a concert, Subaru Park delivers a first-class experience. Use SeatGeek to search upcoming events, view seating maps and purchase tickets to make your visit memorable.