Banner Day

Hip, hip, hooray: The Linc got a standing ãOä at Sundayâs soccer game. Photo By: Michael T. Regan

Despite the accolades, the Eagles president is still miffed over negative coverage of the Linc.

by Brian Hickey

Joe Banner needed something on Saturday. A tether for his children, and their friends, who excitedly bounced about the Lincoln Financial Field grass seeking autographs from international soccer stars? Nah, they were just fine. Well-behaved. Having a blast.

What the Eagles president really sought was something far more pressing than baby-sitting help.

"If only we could get some positive coverage," said Banner, sitting on a bench behind a soccer goal as Manchester United left a crowd oohing and aahing their practice.

Still clearly rankled by the hubbub surrounding food-and-beverage controversies, Banner said it was high time Philadelphians started focusing their attention on the gift of having a $512 million football palace officially open with the following evening's Man U/FC Barcelona exhibition tilt. (OK, so maybe it's the Eagles who got a gift -- from the taxpayers who've felt slighted at several turns. And sure, nary a soul has dissed the stadium as a whole, as it's been widely lauded as a sporting/architectural masterpiece in subsequent days. But still, any perceived criticism remained on Banner's mind.)

"The loudest voices, the ones who are always complaining," he said as the kids ran full force to unsuccessfully grab a ball that escaped the pitch, "they don't speak for everybody."

Maybe they don't, but if it's positive press Banner wants, he should thank his lucky stars for Sir Alex Ferguson, coach of Manchester United, the world's grandest sports franchise. Surrounded by a gaggle of British reporters, Sir Alex -- as they respectfully called him -- gave the new arena a ringing endorsement.

"Absolutely fantastic," he said, adding that the "pitch" was among the best he'd ever seen. Any rub? "Well, it's humid here. By far the worst we've had on the [four-city U.S.] tour. But it's better than the Middle East."

Banner, accused of snootily dressing down the media and fan base during Hoagiegate, couldn't help but smile when told of Ferguson's comments. They probably overshadowed the controversies, if ever so briefly, since a new problem arose during Saturday's dry run: The aforementioned humidity rendered luxury-box windows too foggy to see through early on.

Even so, the construction workers still bustling about went undernoticed as players from both teams spent at least a half-hour scribbling on futbols, shirts, programs and hats for their screaming fans. Fan-friendly? Look no further than Rio Ferdinand, the Man U star known as "the world's most expensive defender," who jumped up toward the seats so female fans could kiss him on the cheek. (For perspective, imagine Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis hosting a brunch for fans. And spoon-feeding his guests.)

Sure, much soccer bashing was available on sports talk radio last week, but the crowd was a testament to the popularity of a game that draws them in even though it may never rise to NFL status in the States. The sold-out Linc was electric Sunday night, with most folks supporting Man U -- which, it must be said, seemed downright odd as it cast Philadelphians in the uncharacteristic role of front-runners. Yes, change was in the air not far from the lonely Vet.

"Even though [soccer] gets no coverage, these kids know all the players. They keep up on it through the Internet. They get game tapes and share them with friends, trying to emulate their favorite players," said Richard Tompkins, president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association.

When all was said and done, kids, fans and football executives had to leave happy. Man U topped Barca 3-1. The place lived up to expectations, even as workers had to basically learn their new gigs on the fly. Springsteen's on his way into town. And, in four weeks and four days, the real christening arrives: After a "dazzling" pre-game show -- Banner wouldn't say more -- it's the Birds and Tampa. Hoagies are welcome. And so is some good ink.

"Oh, that Monday night," said Banner, "it's going to be special."