What to know about Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union
Subaru Park is a soccer-specific stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania, about 15 miles southwest of downtown Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Union, the city's Major League Soccer team, has played there since the stadium opened in 2010. The venue holds roughly 18,500 people and sits along the Delaware River in Chester's waterfront area.
The stadium was built specifically for soccer, which means the field dimensions and sightlines are designed around the sport rather than adapted from a baseball or football layout. This design choice affects where you sit, how close you are to the action, and what the viewing experience feels like compared to multipurpose stadiums.
Key Takeaways
- Subaru Park opened in 2010 and holds approximately 18,500 people in a soccer-specific design built for the Philadelphia Union.
- The stadium is located in Chester, Pennsylvania, along the Delaware River, not in Philadelphia proper, which affects travel time and parking options.
- Seating sections are arranged in a bowl around the field, with lower-bowl seats closer to the action and upper-deck seats offering a wider view of the entire pitch.
- The stadium includes club-level seating, standing-room areas, and general admission sections, with prices varying by match and opponent.
Location and how to get there
Subaru Park sits at 1 Stadium Drive in Chester, Pennsylvania. If you are traveling from Philadelphia, the drive takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and which part of the city you start from. The stadium is accessible by car, public transit, and walking from nearby neighborhoods.
SEPTA Regional Rail runs the Media/Elwyn Line directly to Chester Transit Center, which is about a 10-minute walk from the stadium. Parking is available in multiple lots around the venue, though availability and cost vary by match day. On major match days, parking fills early, and some lots charge a fee while others are free.
If you are driving, the stadium address works in GPS and mapping apps. Arrive early on match days because traffic on I-95 and local roads can back up as game time approaches. Public transit is often less stressful on high-attendance nights.
Seating sections and what the view is like
The stadium is divided into lower-bowl and upper-deck sections that wrap around the field. Lower-bowl seats (sections 101 through 126) are closer to the pitch and give you a more intimate view of the players and the action. Upper-deck seats (sections 201 through 226) sit higher up and let you see more of the field at once, which some fans prefer for understanding the overall flow of the game.
The corners of the stadium have standing-room areas where fans can watch without assigned seats. These sections are often cheaper and create a more energetic atmosphere, though you will be on your feet for the entire match. Club-level seating in the middle of the lower bowl offers premium views and amenities like food and beverage service included in the ticket price.
The field runs north to south, so the sun position changes throughout the season. If you are sensitive to sun glare during afternoon matches, check which sections are in shade before you buy. Evening matches avoid this problem entirely.
Amenities and what is available inside the stadium
Subaru Park has concession stands throughout the venue selling food, drinks, and snacks. Options include typical stadium fare like hot dogs, nachos, and pizza, as well as regional Philadelphia food. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are sold at designated concession points and in club-level areas.
Restrooms are distributed around the stadium, though lines can get long during halftime. The stadium has WiFi available to fans, though connection can be spotty during high-attendance matches when many people are using it at once.
The stadium is accessible for people with mobility challenges, with wheelchair seating, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms. Service animals are permitted. If you have specific accessibility needs, contact the Union's ticket office before the match to arrange accommodations.
Match schedule and ticket information
The Philadelphia Union plays a regular season from March through October, with matches typically on weekends or Wednesday evenings. The exact schedule changes each year and is posted on the Union's official website. Playoff matches and cup competitions may be added to the calendar depending on how far the team advances.
Tickets are sold through the Union's official website and through Ticketmaster. Prices vary widely depending on the opponent, the day of the week, and how far in advance you buy. Matches against rival teams or during peak season cost more than regular-season games against lower-profile opponents. Season ticket holders get priority access to the best seats.
Single-game tickets often go on sale several weeks before the match. Popular matches sell out, especially games against New York Red Bulls, DC United, or other regional rivals. If a match is sold out through official channels, resale sites like StubHub and SeatGeek sometimes have tickets available at higher prices.
Parking and transportation on match day
Multiple parking lots surround Subaru Park, with capacity for several thousand vehicles. Some lots are free, while others charge a fee that ranges from a few dollars to $10 or more depending on the lot and the match. Lot A is closest to the stadium entrance but fills first; lots further away usually have more availability.
Traffic leaving the stadium after the match can be heavy, especially after high-attendance games. If you are not in a rush, waiting 20 to 30 minutes in the parking lot before leaving can help you avoid the worst congestion on local roads and I-95.
Public transit via SEPTA Regional Rail is often faster and less stressful than driving on match day. The Media/Elwyn Line stops at Chester Transit Center, and the walk to the stadium is straightforward. Return trains run until late evening, though frequency decreases after the match ends.
Stadium rules and what you can bring
Subaru Park has a clear-bag policy for items brought into the stadium. You can bring a clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, or a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Bags are subject to search at the gate.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the stadium. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at fountains inside. Alcohol purchased outside the stadium cannot be brought in, and outside alcohol is not permitted anywhere on the grounds.
Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives and pepper spray, are prohibited. Fireworks, flares, and smoke devices are not allowed. The Union enforces these rules consistently, and violations can result in ejection from the stadium and a ban from future matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food and drinks into Subaru Park?
No, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the stadium. You can bring an empty water bottle and refill it at water fountains throughout the venue. Concessions inside the stadium sell food and drinks at typical stadium prices.
What is the best way to get to Subaru Park if I do not want to drive?
SEPTA Regional Rail's Media/Elwyn Line runs directly to Chester Transit Center, about a 10-minute walk from the stadium. This avoids parking hassles and traffic on match day. Trains run frequently during the day and evening, with reduced service late at night.
Are there seats with a better view of the field than others?
Lower-bowl seats are closer to the action, while upper-deck seats give you a wider view of the entire pitch. Corner sections let you see more of the field at once. Standing-room areas offer an energetic atmosphere but require you to stand the entire match. Your preference depends on whether you want close-up views or a full-field perspective.
How early should I arrive on match day?
Arriving 60 to 90 minutes before kickoff gives you time to park, walk to the stadium, and get through security without rushing. On high-attendance matches, gates can have lines, and parking lots fill up. Arriving earlier reduces stress and lets you explore the stadium before the match starts.
Is Subaru Park accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the stadium has wheelchair seating, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms. Service animals are permitted. Contact the Union's ticket office before the match if you have specific accessibility needs so they can arrange appropriate accommodations for you.