Kicking off a Proud Partnership

Widener has announced a new, multi-year partnership agreement with the Philadelphia Union, making Widener the Official University of the Philadelphia Union, Subaru Park, and WSFS Bank Sportsplex. The agreement will bring exciting opportunities for students to get up-close exposure to the inner workings of a top-flight professional sports organization.

“Widener is so excited to be entering this partnership,” said President Stacey Robertson. “At Widener, we pride ourselves on our culture of belonging, and this partnership demonstrates to our students, alumni, and employees that they are part of the vibrant community outside our campus, too.”

The partnership will:

• Allow for academic and career-related student programming, such as internships and job shadowing with the Union – all in support of Widener’s relentless commitment to student success.
• Position Widener to be the presenting partner of a Work-in-Sports camp for high school students on the Union campus, where they will learn about working in sports, shadow Union staff, participate in teamwork activities and learn about the stadium. 
• Provide the opportunity to show off the Widener brand in and around the stadium, in addition to connecting with fans at a pre-game space on Subaru Plaza at multiple games. Fans will see a Widener video message on the stadium videoboard at halftime during each Philadelphia Union regular-season home match. 
• Position Widener to be the presenting partner of three outdoor turf fields at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex.
• Secure the proud privilege of being the title night presenter for the Oct. 4 home match against Atlanta United FC at Subaru Park, which presents exciting opportunities for alumni networking and pre-game fan engagement. 

"At the Union, community is at the core of what we stand for, and partnering with Widener allows us to open doors to educational opportunities with students in our own

backyard,” Chief Revenue Officer of the Philadelphia Union Charlie Slonaker said. “With a shared commitment to the community, as well as the enrichment and education of students, we look forward to the opportunities this partnership will bring.”

Widener kicked off the partnership with a high-energy event on campus that ushered in this new era of collaboration. Union President Tim McDermott joined Robertson on stage in the University Center to announce the news. The partnership also anticipates community outreach initiatives led by both organizations.

“As partners in the city of Chester, Widener and the Union will work together to make a positive impact,” Robertson said.

The Union’s regular season kicks off Feb. 25 and runs through fall. The partnership will extend through the period that includes the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.