Philadelphia Union Games To Air On 6ABC

I figured I would pass on this little tidbit of information on what has been a slow day. Today, the Philadelphia Union announced it's television partnership. The lucky winner, you ask? The channel that hosts Philadelphia's most watched local news program, 6ABC! From a Union press release

Philadelphia Union President Tom Veit and WPVI / 6abc General Manager Bernie Prazenica jointly announced today that entering their inaugural season in Major League Soccer, the club has entered into a multi-year partnership with the long established leader among local television stations.

The Philadelphia Union / 6abc partnership will give WPVI broadcast rights to many of the soccer club’s games, starting in March. With the Major League Soccer schedule soon to be released, the commitment is for as many Philadelphia Union games as possible to be carried live on 6abc, and all games will re-broadcast on 6abc’s digital channel – 6.2 (also known as the Live Well HD Network). Calling the games will be JP Dellacamera, the long-time MLS and ESPN commentator, considered the best in the business in the United States.

“This is truly a landmark day for Philadelphia Union,” stated Team President Tom Veit. “The opportunity to partner with not only one of the best television stations in the nation, but one of the most respected brands in the Delaware Valley, is something very special and meaningful to us as an organization. We know our fans will show their appreciation by tuning in and supporting WPVI, much like they have already shown their commitment to us.”

6abc will use its on-air platform to expand their new partner’s reach and impact in the community, while at the same time become a Keystone Level Sponsor of the team and its stadium. Additionally, WPVI and Philadelphia Union will explore and collaborate on creating new and unique media platforms, as the world’s game comes to the Delaware Valley.

“There is a definite buzz about the Union soccer club, and 6abc is thrilled to be their broadcast partner,” says Bernie Prazenica, President & General Manager of 6abc. “We believe the MLS will be a great success in the Delaware Valley, both on the field and in the community, and we’re excited to present this new team to our loyal viewers.”

Suffice to say, this is a good move for the Union. They needed a network affiliate as opposed to CSN Philly where they would be put on the backburner in favor of the Phillies. Of course, with 6ABC you don't get the constant hype that you do with CSN Philly, but regardless, 6ABC is no slouch.

I'm still eagerly anticipating who JP Dellacamera's partner will be, but whomever it is, I have high hopes for a top-notch broadcast with a top-notch team. I know it's hard to expect much out of an expansion team in their first year, but with the big moves they've been making including pulling a Mo Johnston at the Superdraft to nab 3 top 10 picks and with someone like Nowak at the helm, it's hard to imagine the Union not becoming the Seattle Sounders Version 2.0.

Unrelated, but you can expect Part 2 of The High School Years tomorrow morning.