The shadow of recent violence in Chester did little to darken the opening of PPL Park, though security around the stadium was on the minds of fans who came from out of town.
The 9 p.m. curfew in some of the city’s most violent neighborhoods was extended by one month earlier this week after a recent spat of murders but had no effect on yesterday’s opener against the Seattle Sounders — except for some concern.
“It was a little scary getting here, but this area is nice,” said Kunal Patel of Horsham. “The parking lot area is a little risky though.”
The curfew is unlikely to conflict with any of the Union’s plans, as the restricted areas aren’t near the stadium. Both home games during the next month are afternoon tilts, and the team doesn’t face a night game on the Delaware waterfront until Aug. 5. The team’s use of shuttles and the large police presence limits fans’ interaction with the surrounding residential area.
