Game Day Etiquette

 

Code of Conduct

The Sons of Ben code of conduct consists of four simple, common-sense rules members are expected to follow at Philadelphia Union games and other SoB events.

1. Be Loud:

The Sons of Ben are the engine that keeps this team running. Opposing players and supporters should be embarrassed by how loud and proud The River End is for 90 minutes every match. We wave our Jolly Franklin flags and hang our tifo to ensure everyone knows whose house they’re in. 

2. Be Proud:

We were here before the team. That makes us the best supporters in the league. Every other supporters groups wish they could be us. Wear their jealousy like a badge of honor. But don’t let them get to you: engaging in any physical altercation with anyone at any time is strictly prohibited. It will get you ejected if not banned from Subaru Park and the Sons of Ben. 

3. Be Smart:

Have a great time before and during the match but don’t overdo it. If you can’t handle your alcohol, don’t have any. If you can’t express your anger at the referee, opposing players, or opposing supporters without using violent, sexist, racist, or homophobic speech and gestures, then don’t open your mouth. Better yet, don’t come to a match, away trip, or watch party because that kind of hate isn’t welcome in The River End, at our watch parties, Sons of Ben events, or on social media. Use it, and you’ll be ejected and potentially banned.

4. Be Passionate:

This is OUR team and it is OUR job to support them. If you can’t follow this simple code of conduct, maybe this isn’t for you. 

Capo Stand Guidelines

Capo stands are designed for the purpose of allowing supporter leadership the ability to stand at the front of their sections to lead chants and songs for Union matches. The guidelines are as follows:

  • Capo stands are open 1 hour prior to kick-off and close immediately following the conclusion of the match

    • Only credentialed members will be allowed onto the stands post-match to remove any permitted game day items. All game-day items must be removed within 45 minutes of the final whistle.

  • Only credentialed members will be allowed on the capo stand at any time

  • No more than 3 credentialed members will be on the capo stand at any time

  • Approved items for the capo stand:

    • Drums

    • Flags, banners, tifo

    • Smoke devices

      • Capo stands are the only permitted area to utilize smoke devices

      • 5 devices will be given to each stand prior to the start of the match

      • Smoke devices must be dropped into metal buckets filled with sand on the capo stands for use

      • Smoke devices may be utilized upon pre-game entrance, Union goals and a Union win

 

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River End Ticket Resale Policy

As some may know, we've had multiple incidents this year involving people in the River End who bought tickets on StubHub or other third-party ticket marketplaces. Often these people buy the tickets because they're cheap and are upset when they find out it's a standing, singing section. Worse, some want to be in the River End because they think they can get away with disruptive or even racist behavior. We understand that season tickets are expensive and that not every fan can make every game. With that in mind, we want to clarify the rules on StubHub and similar services.

1) We strongly encourage fans with extra tickets to try to sell them to a fellow SoB first.

2) If you sell your tickets to non-SoBs, you must tell them that the seats are in the supporters' section and what that means: no opposing colors, no racism, no violence, and no complaining if the fans in front of them are standing up and the fans behind them are singing an off-color song. If you sell to non-SoBs, you will be held responsible for Code of Conduct violations by those using your seats.

3) Selling River End tickets to strangers without informing them of the rules and requirements for standing in the supporters' section is a violation of Rule 3 of the Code of Conduct, whether in person or on the internet. It is not fair to those buying the tickets, and it is not fair to those sharing the section with them. Anyone who does so will be subject to penalties that may include losing their Sons of Ben membership