Photo: Nicolae Stoian

The Philadelphia Union announced on Friday that they expect Sunday’s opener to be standing-room only. The club strongly urges everyone to arrive early for the game to ensure everyone has enough time to park and enter the stadium before the 4pm kickoff.

Parking

For recommended directions to the stadium, click here.

If you have not purchased a parking pass for the season you should know that Lot A and Lot B are sold out. Lots that are full with pre-paid parking will not be accepting cash on game day. That means that the only lot open for those without a parking pass is Lot C, which is located on the south side of the stadium. The Union says there is plenty of space in Lot C. The price is $20 per vehicle.

There are other parking lots nearby that are not managed by the Union. I’ve always had a parking pass for Lot A and have no experience with the others. But it is clear that the Union would prefer for you to park in one of their lots. An article posted on Friday on the club’s website emphasized (sorry for the bold all-caps, but this is how it appeared in the article):

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT FOR SUNDAY’S GAME THERE MAY BE MULTIPLE PARKING AREAS THAT ARE NOT AUTHORIZED OR SECURED BY PHILADELPHIA UNION OR PPL PARK. FANS WHO PARK IN THESE UNAUTHORIZED AND UNSECURED LOTS DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK.

The Route 291 off ramps from the Commodore Barry Bridge opened in October. The Union says that additional improvements to the rail crossings on the west side of the stadium can be expected later in the season. Of particular interest will be the opening of an additional rail crossing “to provide more direct access from Route 291 to Lots A, B, C and D.”

Taking the train

The SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail line will be departing from 30th Street Station at 10:38am, 11:38am, 12:38pm, 1:38pm and 2:38pm to the Chester Transportation Center (6th & Welch Street) for Sunday’s game. A one-way ticket costs $4.75 if bought in advance, $6 if purchased from a conductor. The trip takes about 30 minutes.

The Union will have free shuttle bus service from the Chester Transportation Center to PPL Park. The shuttle buses drop off and pick up passengers at PPL Park along Front Street, one block north of the stadium. Remember to hod on to your Septa ticket, you will need it to take advantage of the free service.

The shuttle service begins four hours before kickoff. After the game, shuttles will run until it appears all fans have departed. Keep your ears open for the last call announcement.

Stache Bash 2012

The Stache Bash charity event in support of Help Kick Hunger will run from 11am through 3pm. There will be food, raffles and prizes as well as a performance by the Boils. The event will take place between Lots B and C. You will need to buy a ticket for the event, which you can do here. Sons of Ben members who have bought a season parking pass are reminded that they will not be able to use one of their free tailgating passes for this special charity event.

Season ticket holders

Remember you earn more loyalty points when you enter the stadium at least 30 minutes before kickoff. This can prove useful in reaching different reward levels offered by the club. These include:

• Surpass 150 points by May 14 to be invited to an open practice at PPL Park (Time and Date TBD)
• Surpass 450 points to receive a one-time coupon for a 20% discount in the Union Shop at PPL Park (one per account)
• Surpass 700 points to be invited to an exclusive behind the scenes tour at PPL Park, featuring visits to the suites, press box, interview room, locker room, and more.  Fans will also be able to take a photo on the field, receive discounted food and merchandise, and be able to watch the Union away game on the PPL Park video board (Time and Date TBD)
• Surpass 900 points to receive a price level upgrade for the 2013 season (based on seat availability)
• Surpass 1,000 points to be invited to an exclusive Meet the Team event (Time and Date TBD)

The top 100 seats with the most points will be invited to play a pick-up game on the field at PPL Park following the 2012 season and the seat with the most points will be recognized as the 2012 Fan of the Year at the 2013 home opener.

Season ticket holders will soon be able to load money on their season ticket cards for purchases at concession stands and the Union Shop at PPL. The club anticipates that this system will be in place by the end of April.

Two things to remember: First, there is a walking area behind the River End so that fans who enter through the Supporters Gate can gain easy access to the East Side of the stadium when the concourse below the supports section is closed when players are entering or leaving the field.

Also, card-carrying season ticket holders have post-game access to the Stadium Club, which can be entered through the deck at the top of section 121. Simply show you season ticket card to enter the club.