They’re not made of cardboard any more.  The fans have returned to Subaru Park stadium in Chester as the Philadelphia Union soccer team opened up its games Oct. 11 to limited crowds, writes Joseph N. DiStefano for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

It’s the first of five live-attendance home games.

The Union was the first Philly pro team to allow fans back into the stadium seven months after COVID-19 shut public attendance down.

“It feels great,” said Matt Gendaszek.

He heads a fan society for the Union.

“There’s still that little sense of nervousness,” Gendaszek added. “But everyone that has a ticket is thrilled for our first game.”

Including players, coaches, team staff and stadium workers, 2,775 people were allowed in the stadium Oct. 11.  Capacity is 18,000.

Fans had to wear masks when not eating or drinking. They remained spread out in assigned seats.

Pro soccer has been playing a reduced schedule to empty stands. The Union has played well in the shorter season and fans keep hope alive for the playoffs.

Regular-season games will run a month later, into November, with playoffs in early December.

Read more about the return of in-person fans to the Philadelphia Union games at the Philadelphia Inquirer here.

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