A big thanks to those that came out to one of the charity events this weekend…we helped two great causes hold successful events. Now, on with the ‘nack!

Quick reminder, 5:45 tonight in the main hall at the Franklin Institute we’re having our first Daughters of Betsy event when the WPS team unveils their name and colors. Come and meet everyone and join us for a little after-party somewhere nearby.

Of course, the DoBs are just as co-ed as the Sons of Ben. The name came from what the ESC (Red Bulls supporters) called us. We decided to take their poor attempt at a dig and make a positive out of it.

There’s been some confusion since the announcement a week ago about season tickets. First, read up on the team’s FAQ (HERE). We’ve prepared our own FAQ for the supporters’ section.

Q: Why is this section different?
A: This is the all-standing, singing, chanting, flag-waving, otherwise raucous section of the stadium.

Q: Can I bring my kids?
A: Children are certainly allowed in the section, but be warned that there will be some R-rated language, and no one is going to be asked to not use it because children are around. We certainly have members bringing their kids in the section and use it as a good reason to have an honest discussion with their kids about language. If you don’t want your children exposed to it the great news is that we’ll all be in one part of the stadium versus spread out all over like in the other sports in the city.

Q: What do I need to do to be in the section?
A: First, you need to be a full member of the Sons of Ben. We’ll begin collecting dues later this year for the 2010 season. Being a full member will have a number of benefits, but if you decide you don’t want to, you can still be an associate member and receive the Almanack to keep up. We haven’t figured out a cost yet, but it’s certainly not going to break the bank. Second, you need to make a deposit at philadelphiaunion.com.

Q: Why are the tickets so much cheaper?
A: Because the team sees the value in having a large, passionate, intimidating supporters’ section and are willing to give us a better deal on tickets because of the great atmosphere we provide. If you’re thinking of buying tickets there just because they’re the cheapest, odds are you aren’t going to be very happy. If you like the standing, the singing, etc., though, it’ll be the most fun you’ve ever had at a sporting event.

Q: Can I be an SoB member and not be in the section?
A: Of course! There’s certainly more to being an SoB than being in the supporters’ section during the match. We’ll have our soon-to-be-legendary tailgates before the match, viewing parties, away trips, our charitable work, and a number of other things.

So if you haven’t done so yet, go to philadelphiaunion.com and get your deposit down. Get an extra and bring a friend!

On July 18, there will be a Gold Cup quarterfinal doubleheader at the Linc. It’s almost certain that this will mark the first time the United States Men’s National Team will appear in a full international match in Philadelphia since 1976. They’ll be playing for the Gold Cup, the official championship for North American countries; possible opponents include perennial rivals Costa Rica and Canada.

It’s also our first chance to show the city of Philadelphia and soccer fans around the country and around the world the kind of support our MLS team can expect next year. It’s our first chance to try out our tailgates, our drums, and our voices right here in Philadelphia.

The Delaware Valley Infantry, the Sons of Ben’s U.S. National Team affiliate, has a section reserved for us in the Linc’s end zone. Tickets are only $25 for the doubleheader. The section is already nearly halfway full, so don’t wait! If you’ve never been to a U.S. National Team game, you don’t know what you’re missing. Just sign up, wear red, and be prepared to shout and sing for the U.S. for ninety minutes!

The U.S. will start off their Gold Cup with games in Seattle, Boston, and Washington, D.C., playing against Grenada, Haiti, and the always-dangerous Honduras. If they finish first or second in this group of four, they will advance to the quarterfinals in Philadelphia.

The Gold Cup is North America’s continental championship, the equivalent of the European Championship or of South America’s “Copa America.” This means it’s always an exciting matchup; the Philadelphia quarterfinals could include the top teams in North and Central America, including Costa Rica, Honduras, Canada, El Salvador, or Jamaica.

This year, the Gold Cup is exciting for another reason as well. The U.S. Soccer Federation has scheduled the competition for thirteen different U.S. cities, in part to demonstrate the breadth and depth of support for soccer in the U.S. in support of their bid to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022.

A great fan response at this game will show FIFA that the U.S. should host another World Cup, and at the same time show U.S. Soccer that Philadelphia should be part of that bid–and that it shouldn’t be another thirty years before the National Team visits Philadelphia again.

For tickets with the Sons of Ben and the Delaware Valley Infantry, go HERE and enter “sob2010″ in the “PROMOTIONS AND SPECIAL OFFERS” field. DO NOT enter a value in the “Full Price” field.

We’ll have tailgate details soon, stay tuned!

Ad Finem Fidelis