2012 MLS All-Star Game: Philadelphia Rewarded For Tradition, Soccer Investment

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber officially announced today that the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game will be hosted by Philadelphia at PPL Park.

"That's why Philadelphia is the best sports city in the USA," Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said, "top notch fans, top notch stadium."

Garber made the announcement this morning at Philadelphia's City Hall along with Mayor Nutter, city of Chester Mayor John Linder and Philadelphia Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz. The 2012 All-Star Game will be played on July 25th at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN2 along with other broadcasts in over 130 countries all around the world.

"We know that this is an area that's very rich with soccer tradition," said Commissioner Garber while making the announcement.

This will not be the first time Philadelphia has hosted a game of such magnitude. In just two seasons, the Union have hosted the likes of famed English Premiere league club Manchester United, Everton and most recently Real Madrid.

Just this past August, Philadelphia hosted an international friendly with USMNT rival Mexico.

Philadelphia 2012 MLS All-Star Game Announcement (via Husher315)

While an opponent has not been announced yet, Don Garber said that the announcement could come within the next 60 days. It is known however, that the opponent will be another top class international team.

Last year, the MLS All-Stars took on Manchester United in a game that ended up not being much of a contest, with Manchester winning 4-0. A note to Union season ticket holders; you will have the opportunity to buy tickets to the 2012 MLS All-Star game first.