The Vernacular Culture Of The Philadelphia Union

The fans of the Philadelphia Union create a sort of culture that is unlike anything else. They show up hours before the game to play outside the stadium and then go and celebrate after the game. While commenting on the attendance before, David Sciocchetti now comments on what he saw before the first game, “The other thing was the atmosphere in the parking lot,” he continues. “There were kids kicking balls, grandparents grilling… and the vision of that happening on the Chester Waterfront was certainly intriguing” (Greco). Sciocchetti, on the executive staff of the Union, was amazed how dedicated these fans were. Recently, a Union Board Member witnessed this culture in a different way. During the Lamar Hunt Open Cup Final, he watched as the,
As Lantis said of vernacular culture, “even the most urbanized people have an everyday culture, including everyday speech that is different from the literary language of from the language of straight news reporting” (202). In terms of the Philadelphia Union, the fans have their own way of expressing themselves. Tailgating, playing, cheering, supporting and talking about the game are the vernacular culture of the Union. This culture is unique to any sports team. And in this case, the Sons of Ben initiated this culture. The Philly Union Principal Owner Jay Sugarman stated to the press, "We're incredibly fortunate to have fans who understand the power of loyalty and unity, and our team identity draws its inspiration from them and from the importance these qualities have played in the history of Philadelphia" (“Philadelphia Union”). The fans are just as important as the team on the field. I have witnessed myself, the distinctive fan culture surrounding the
With the arrival of the Fifa World Cup every four years, people who never even watched soccer before become interested in supporting their country’s team. Experts following the sport state, “Every four years, the impact of the World Cup has been subtle and sometimes slow to emerge. And though the benefits to M.L.S. are often the easiest to track, the World Cup has also rubbed off on youth soccer players and soccer fans who follow overseas leagues” (Belson). Youths watching the game develop a passion towards playing. Youth soccer leagues have been growing more and more and have now become the number one youth sport in America. After each World Cup, the amount of soccer broadcasts on television and radio stations increases (Greco). The growing support for the sport is amazing. With more broadcasts and youth leagues, investors are seeing that this is potential hit. Investors invested money into the growing MLS to have more teams and more stadiums. In 2004, there were only 2 MLS soccer stadiums in contrast to 2014, where now there are 9 and growing (Belson). This sport is becoming increasingly popular in America mostly because, “It’s a sport for a changing America,” says McDermott, a television announcer (Greco). The increasing popularity of soccer is sure to spread the fan culture brought about from the