Officials to start work on Philly area MLS stadium

CHESTER, Pa. (AP) -- Workers are scheduled to break ground on a $115 million soccer stadium just outside Philadelphia.

Officials say the stadium project in Chester is on schedule despite the nationwide economic downturn. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Monday afternoon.

The stadium will be home to a yet-to-be-named Major League Soccer team. Officials say they still expect to start play as MLS' 16th club in 2010.

The team will carry Philadelphia's name, even though the stadium will be in Chester, an economically struggling city just southwest of Philadelphia.

Gov. Ed Rendell has pledged $25 million in state funding for the 18,500-seat, soccer-only stadium.

Officials say they are adjusting plans to also build millions of dollars worth of stores, homes and other development near the stadium.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.