Philadelphia Union unveils $100m 'super campus', setting new MLS standard | OneFootball

The Philadelphia Union marked a monumental moment in their club’s history this week with the official opening of the WSFS Bank Sportsplex — a $100m, 170,000-square-foot training and community facility next to Subaru Park.

The state-of-the-art complex brings together the Union’s first team, second team, academy, and private high school, forming Major League Soccer’s first true "super campus."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by MLS Commissioner Don Garber, Union Principal Owner Jay Sugarman, WSFS Bank President Rodger Levenson, and Chester Mayor Stefan Roots, among other dignitaries and community leaders. Together, they celebrated a project years in the making — one that unites professional ambition with grassroots impact.

“This is more than just a sports complex,” said Sugarman. “It’s a symbol of growth, opportunity, and unity. WSFS Bank Sportsplex and Subaru Park create one of the most unique sports campuses in the world.”

Spanning 32 acres, the Sportsplex features a 100,000 sq. ft. indoor facility and a 70,000 sq. ft. support building that houses Philadelphia Union II (MLS NEXT Pro) and the Union Academy. It includes a full-size indoor turf field, two multi-sport courts, a performance center, six locker rooms, a recovery room, and event space. KINETIC Physical Therapy will also operate a dedicated clinic within the facility.

Unique to the complex is the country’s first Striker Lab — a high-tech training system using proprietary software to analyse and enhance a player’s kicking technique.

Outside, visitors will find seven multi-sport fields, including a championship grass pitch with spectator seating. The entire site is designed to host both elite-level soccer and local recreational play, and is expected to attract over 500,000 visitors annually, providing a major economic boost to Chester.

The new facility strengthens MLS’s continued push toward world-class player development infrastructure. Similar investments are underway or recently completed in San Diego, Portland, and New Jersey, with MLS clubs collectively investing more than $1.5 billion into training environments in recent years.

“This facility is more than world-class infrastructure — it’s a powerful investment in the future of soccer in America,” said Commissioner Garber. “Jay Sugarman and his partners have delivered a visionary campus that sets a new standard.”

Mayor Roots echoed that sentiment: “This project is an investment in the future of our city. It’s not just for elite athletes — it’s a place where our young people can train, dream big, and stay engaged.”

For the Philadelphia Union, this milestone brings their long-term vision to life — one that blends elite performance with educational opportunity, community inclusion, and a genuine love for the game.