The Major League Soccer franchise is celebrating its 10^th season at Talen Stadium in Chester. Since its 2010 debut, it’s attracted a consistent following, as well as bringing thousands of fans to Chester.

Now it’s bringing in business, writes P. Kenneth Burns for WHYY.

Both the Philadelphia Union and the City of Chester say they are starting to see rewards for their perseverance.

Drake Nakaishi, executive director of the Chester Economic Development Authority, said there has been some spinoff growth, and that more is to come.

“The only part of the commonwealth that’s growing is in the southeast portion of the state. And that includes Delaware County and the City of Chester,” Nakaishi said.

Patricia Demiranda said she’s seeing some new businesses opening in Chester.  “Ten years ago, it was a ghost town,” she recalled. “Nobody even drove down the City of Chester.”

Now businesses are opening up.

One of those is Power Home Remodeling which moved from Newark to Chester in 2011.

The Union is also partnering with the Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County to develop the water front, possibly themed for sports and entertainment, health and wellness.

Read more about soccer’s effect on Chester here.

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