PPL signs naming-rights deal for soccer stadium

The Philadelphia Union and PPL EnergyPlus made their marriage official yesterday, announcing a 10-year agreement to call the soccer team's new stadium PPL Park.

"We have found the perfect partner," Nick Sakiewicz, the Union's chief executive officer, said in a statement. "We are so energized over this partnership and can't wait to start working together to make our mark in the community."

PPL EnergyPlus will be the Union's exclusive energy provider. It is paying nearly $20 million to emblazon the PPL name on and around the 18,500-seat stadium, now being built on the Chester waterfront.

"PPL EnergyPlus is thrilled to support Philadelphia Union in bringing Major League Soccer to this market," said L. Gene Alessandrini, the firm's senior vice president of marketing. "We're both driven to be winners, and both intend on building a strong and loyal fan base."

Team and company officials gathered at the stadium for a noon announcement, though details of the agreement had been widely reported.

PPL wants to be noticed in Peco Energy Co. territory, because at the end of this year Peco's rate caps will be lifted, and Peco's 1.6 million customers can pick their own supplier.

For the Union, the deal offers a strong partner at a time of economic uncertainty.

The stadium, just south of the Commodore Barry Bridge, is to anchor a $500 million development that backers say will help revive downtrodden Chester.

Construction remains on schedule despite the recent snows, Sakiewicz said. Season-ticket sales have surpassed 9,700.

The stadium will not be finished in time for the Union's first two home games, which have been moved to Lincoln Financial Field.

Tickets for the April 10 home opener, against DC United, and the May 15 match against FC Dallas will go on sale Wednesday. Prices range from $28 to $100.

Details on how to buy tickets will be announced on www.philadelphiaunion.com

The first game in Chester is scheduled for June 27.

PPL EnergyPlus is a subsidiary of PPL Corp. and will market itself to industrial and commercial customers.

"Our association with Philadelphia Union will help us familiarize thousands of potential customers with the PPL EnergyPlus name," Alessandrini said.