Franch1se

I didn't say he would be the right choice but he would put his name in the mix through channels.

If Groce left I think KD would be interested in coming home.

Just don't do it right at the bench Ali. The Kent one was really lame but this one felt legit to me.

Went to St Joes at VCU basketball a few years back on a Tuesday night. Atmosphere was incredible. Been to Rupp, Dayton, Villanova, Temple, Ohio State. By far the best.

Zips winning is #1 variable to grab my attention. I already purchased my Kent tickets upper reserved which will be my second game this season but I have been watching most games on ESPN+ / CBSSN. And because I love Riq and this team is GOOD I am hoping to go to Cleveland for the tournament. The two variables that keep me from going to the JAR more is: 1. Like everyone said it's just not that great of a building and the Kent games are the only atmospheres that are awesome. I went to Marshall and their basketball atmosphere is not any better but the seating set up is. 2. No restaurants or bars close to the JAR. Yes I have done the Euro Gyro or Mannys thing pregame which is fun with my buddies but the wife isn't going to sign up for that. We have done Lockview pregame but parking twice is a pain.

I usually go to one game a year but I will be buying season tickets when this is made official. Extremely happy with this hire.

Zero production at work. Mentally already at Euro Gyro for pregame. Lets make the JAR bounce tonight!

Besides the JAR anyone have any ideas where the game might be on? J Dublin's? Score?

As the founder of Jabari Arthurs corner this is amazing that 10 years later he still remembers us and gave us a shout out. I wish we could have been there for this and brought back the corner one more time. Jabari is such a great dude.

Yeah were hoping Chester comes around but unfortunately the original plan for a few bars, a grocery store, and some development near the stadium was slated for 2008 when things went south. Union fans love Chester and we do a lot for the community but unfortunately it's been a slow go. It was between not having a MLS team or building in Chester so of course we are glad to have a team and embraced Chester. Check out the Sons of Ben documentary on Netflix if you want to see how our fan group actually is the reason MLS gave us a team. As far as entertainment in chester unfortunately there is seriously none within walking distance of the stadium. Absolutely nothing. However there is a Harrah's casino about 8 minutes down the road that I have pregame'd at for Union games if I don't feel like tailgating. There's some solid food and bar options in there. Other that you need to go back to Philly or Media/Swathmore/Ridley area's are the closest to the stadium with some solid entertainment options.

Not sure if this will help anyone but being a Philadelphia resident originally from Akron and a big Zips fan I felt the need to pass along some general Philly info for anyone making the trip. I am also a Philadelphia Union season ticket holder so I spend a lot of time at Talen Energy Stadium. I hope we have lots of Zips fans in the building Friday as I will be there and the Browns Backers of Philly is pushing to get some local Zips fans to attend. It's only a 6.5 hour drive from Akron so that's the closest College Cup they have been in. Talen Energy Stadium Info: Beautiful stadium even better than the Crew stadium which some of you are probably familiar with. Great views of the Delaware river, good food options, plenty of free parking close, and good tailgating usually. All that said, the neighborhood stinks. It's actually Chester PA which is 15 minutes south of Philly towards Wilmington Delaware. Very poor and run down neighborhood with no bars or restaurants near by. However the stadium and parking lots are very safe with tons of police all around the area for gameday's. Just make sure you park at the Talen Energy lots and not the neighborhood ones off the ramp. The stadium ones are free all weekend so don't pay any lot! I wanted to warn everyone about the neighborhood but please don't let this stop you from attending. The stadium is one of the best facilities in the MLS. Tickets. Not a bad seat in the entire stadium. . They are also offering a $15 extra ticket to get into the Tru Mark Financial Club. If you want to be inside at times this is a solid option. Still a great view of the stadium and you'll get access to outdoor seats still along with better restrooms, better food options and a nice bar. Philly info: Center City (downtown) is awesome, safe, tons to do and 20 minutes from the stadium. Hotels will be more expensive but you could walk around all weekend outside going to the game. There would also be a ton of great AirBNB options in Center City. If you don't want to go downtown the airport area is the closest to the stadium with reasonably priced hotels. Downside less choices of restaurants near by. You could go Wilmington DE area as prices would be cheaper and you'd have a real easy drive to the stadium up 95. Last hotel area is King of Prussia. Wealthy suburb with the 2nd biggest mall in america and tons of great food options. Also 25 minute drive to the stadium. When we beat Stanford Friday hopefully a lot of fans can stay till Sunday. Some ideas for that Saturday. First Army vs Navy game is in town even if you don't have $200 to go to that game it's a pretty fun day, great tailgating and then just hit a bar. The bar scene is best in center city, on south street, and Fishtown/Northern Liberties. As far as sight seeing, go check out Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell tons of free history stuff to do. Go grab a cheesesteak and see the rocky statue. I know all the generic stuff but it's fun to be a tourist. Lots of good museums also, revolutionary war museum, multiple art musueums, Franklin Institute, and a local favorite the mutter museum. Hope this helped someone, hope you come enjoy this awesome city of Philly and hope to see you at the stadium Friday night. Go Zips!