It’s now official.

When Major League Soccer kicks off next spring, all eyes will be on the Philadelphia Union.

You know, the team that will play its home games in Chester. At least some of them.

In another busy day for the region’s latest entry on the professional sports scene, MLS announced the Union would take part in the league’s opening game on March 25 in Seattle against the Sounders.

The game will be nationally televised on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes at 9:30 p.m. from Qwest Field.

The Union’s home opener will be April 10 against D.C. United.
Unfortunately, that game will not be played in Chester. It will be played at Lincoln Financial Field, after Union officials told the league they could not be sure the stadium would be ready for the opening of the season.

CEO Nick Sakiewicz said it is possible that more than one game will have to be played at the Linc, but was certain that a “majority” of Union games will be played in Chester.

Don’t forget to check back on Monday for a special update on the stadium construction taking place under the Commodore Barry Bridge, along with a video, and a Letter From the Editor column on my visit with team execs this week.

We’ll also put up a link to the Web cam the team is promising to have up and running that will keep tabs on the stadium construction from a perch atop the old Peco Power Station building just down the street, where the team’s offices are now housed.