Philadelphia’s front office are keeping their options open as to the site of the first kick in 2010. Right now the likely destination for the first Union game will be at a NFL venue, Lincoln Financial Field.

This stadium hosted both Gold Cup and international friendlies this summer and is no stranger to soccer. Sure its disappointing to hear that Union won’t be in their new stadium at the start of next year but if they can pack in a good chunk of fans at this venue like Seattle did to open their expansion season this year it could be a good thing.

Word has it the opening kick schedule for next season could be out in a couple weeks too. Steve Goff reported this morning that it has undergone a couple different revisions as of late.

A giant list was reduced to 135 choices, then to four announced finalists. Fans voted at Philly.com, the team pledging to abide by the results so long as the balloting was decisive.

The other finalists were Philadelphia SC, the initials standing for “Soccer Club;” Philadelphia AC, for “Athletic Club,” and Philadelphia City.

AC or SC could still be added to the name Union.

So maybe it will be Philadelphia Union AC or SC? Or as someone wrote to me recently it could end up as Union Philadelphia or Union Philadelphia SC? Honestly I kind of hope it just stays with Philadelphia Union, even with the initials being P.U. I don’t know but that is just me, the name has already started to grow on me and the logo is something that should not be messed with at this point.

What do you think? Add a SC or AC to the name or keep it Union?

You know the more I say the name the better I like it. I know its kind of a cheap attempt to call them United but Union works for me for some reason. Plus lets be honest we have far worse names in the league already so this one isn’t that bad. Also, it probably has more to do with the bad ass crest that was leaked yesterday. The colors are great and really it may be the best logo in the league.

What do you make of it? Sad to not see a better name? Would you take a better name even if it meant the logo wasn’t as good?

“This is truly a defining moment for our franchise, and we couldn’t be more excited to proclaim our identity to the soccer world and our loyal fans,” said MLS Philadelphia CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “We’ve created an authentic brand that reflects Philadelphia’s deep-rooted history and the wealth of feedback gathered from our supporters. The arrival of top-flight soccer in Philadelphia is about to feel decidedly more tangible.”

“Our team name, logo and colors will shape the foundation of our identity,” added MLS Philadelphia President Tom Veit. “The process of developing our character will continue when we hire a coaching staff, sign players and expand our front office. We’re dedicated to doing things the right way and building an organization that represents the hard work and passion of Philadelphians throughout the Delaware Valley.”

A couple months back the club held a vote for the club name between four choices. Also it appears the club has sold over 6,000 season tickets for their 18,500-seat stadium that is under the works in Chester,PA.

So which name are you hoping for? I personally liked “AC” and “City.”

Yeah, nothing like some stadium models to kick off the day. Photo via MLSPhilly2010.com.

What do ya make of it? Looks like a mighty fine stadium to me. Kind of similar to Rio Tinto Stadium and Toyota Park though for me. Still its better than playing in a shared stadium with Field Turf.

• AC Philadelphia
• Philadelphia City
• Philadelphia Union
• Philadelphia SC

Interesting selection of names really if they are the final list. I’m sure most people will go for AC Philadelphia or Philadelphia City. I think any are a solid selection really though I think Union is my least favorite of the bunch. They may be too simple or plain for some but I think each is pretty solid.

Which one will you go for? Apparently voting will start soon.