the sons of ben began during a flurry of rumors regarding major league soccer's negotiations with investors regarding a potential team in the philadelphia region. as of 2009, the group has more than 4,500 members and ran a season ticket drive in 2007, attracting 2,800 requests. both state and county governments have agreed to partially fund the rivertown project along the banks of the delaware river in chester, pennsylvania. this mixed-use development will be anchored by the 18,500-seat talen energy stadium, located at the base of the commodore barry bridge. on february 28, 2008, philadelphia was confirmed to be the league's 16th team, meaning that their initial goal has been accomplished. the sons of ben refocused their efforts on the most important mission of any supporters club: supporting the local team. union began play in 2010.