Most Philadelphia Union supporters might prepare for a Union game at PPL Park by putting on their favorite Union shirt and scarf and then joining a few friends for a pre-game tailgate to enjoy some fortifying food and beverages before the match. Needless to say, the Sons of Ben take supporting the Union to a different level.
The hard work begins in the morning hours as volunteers hang the many banners and flags that adorn the River End, as well as prepare the new Tifo displays. On top of that, at Saturday’s home opener, the Sons of Ben celebrated the conclusion their very successful Stash Bache fund raising drive in support of the Help Kick Hunger campaign by hosting 500+ friends at a pregame tailgate party. On Saturday, PSP photographer Earl Gardner followed the Sons of Ben from the hard work of setting up the River End and preparing for the tailgate in the morning, through the pre-game tailgate in the afternoon, during in the march into PPL Park and throughout the game. As Earl’s photo essay makes clear, the fun and excitement in the River End is the result of a lot of hard work.
Setup starts early and you can’t have a tailgate without some large grills and a good chef.
Some brand new Tifo is laid out before the match.
Getting the Tifo ready for delivery to the River End.
Capo’s Justin Lee & Corey Furlan and their crew took on the task of putting a piece of colored construction paper on each of the 2,000 seats in the River End.
Capo’s Mark Dunfee & Corey Furlan begin hanging the numerous flags and signs that adorn the River End.
It takes an incredible amount of hard work to feed 500+ people.
Stashe Bash organizer Jeremy Sharpe sells tickets to the raffle.
The Vancouver Whitecaps video crew comes over to find out how real supporters party.
If Danny Califf isn’t going to sport his mohawk this season, this SoB will pick up the slack.
Up close and personal with SoB Steve Meo as he rocks his stache for the bash.
This SoB sports a fine award-winning stache.
Color Man Taylor Twellman cuts his pre-game piece with the SoB’s and discusses the charitable contributions of the Help Kick Hunger campaign.
One of the many raffle winners.
Who knew Jesus was also a SoB? We’re glad he’s on our side!
The first march into PPL Park of the 2011 season.
500+ took part in the march into PPL Park.
A lot of hard work pays off with an impressive Tifo display from the Sons of Ben.
The ladies of the River End show their support.
You’re never to young to support your team in the River End.
Capo Justin Lee leads the charge.
You have been red-carded Eric Hassli. Now you must leave the field through the River End.
Flags flying high over the River End.
Doop Doop Doop da da Doop Doop Doop. Doopin’ all over the River End!
For additional photos of the Stache Bash and the Sons of Ben, please check out Earl Gardner’s Flickr page.
We knew Earl before he was famous. I hope he doesn’t go ALL Hollywood on Us. Fantastic Work Earl!
Well Done! I love the photo essays on the PSP and this one is no exception. Keep ’em coming! 🙂
Well done good Sir! It was a great game and you did a solid job, if I do say so myself!
Earl, this is fantastic! SoBs: Thanks for all the hard work on the bash and prepping the stadium to be a great place for soccer.
Great pictures, Earl!!!!!
Great stuff. Hope to see more of it.
Thanks everyone for the kind words. This was a blast to shoot. Can’t wait to contribute more to this site!