The Philadelphia Union - Post World Cup Marketing Campaign
Client Overview
Philly PR Girl has a longstanding working relationship with the Philadelphia Union, partnering with the club on public relations, media outreach, and initiatives that connect the team with its passionate fan base. Following the Union’s Supporters’ Shield win in 2025, the club continued to build momentum and strengthen its connection with Philadelphia’s soccer community.
With the FIFA World Cup bringing global attention to Philadelphia in 2026, the Union saw an opportunity to build on that excitement and create something big for soccer fans beyond the pitch. Together, we helped bring that vision to life through a cruise activation designed to celebrate the sport, engage the local soccer community, and create a memorable experience around one of the biggest moments in Philadelphia soccer.
Our Strategy
Philly PR Girl worked hand in hand with the Philadelphia Union’s PR team to support the club’s fan engagement and experiential marketing initiatives. Leveraging our established media relationships, knowledge of the Philadelphia sports market, and expertise in influencer marketing, we helped extend the Union’s reach beyond the pitch.
As part of the cruise activation, our team curated the guest list, identifying relevant media, influencers, and sports personalities to help maximize visibility and create meaningful opportunities for engagement. Through close collaboration with the Union’s team, we helped bring together key voices in Philadelphia’s sports community to amplify the experience and connect with fans in new ways.
Key Media Wins & Activations
Earned Media Coverage
Philly PR Girl secured a live hit on FOX 29 Philadelphia during the cruise to Subaru Park, highlighting the experience. The coverage brought the club’s on-field success to a broader local audience and reinforced its place in Philadelphia’s competitive sports market.
Influencer Marketing
To expand the Union’s reach beyond traditional media, Philly PR Girl partnered with The Philly Sports Guy and other local influencers to connect with engaged sports fans across social media. These collaborations helped bring the team’s story to new audiences and create additional opportunities for fan engagement.
Experiential Marketing & Fan Engagement
Through sports-focused activations and event promotion tied to the excitement surrounding the World Cup, Philly PR Girl helped create a memorable experience that connected soccer fans on the water and at the stadium. We booked special appearances by Philadelphia personality Gillie, Philadelphia Eagles player Will Shipley, and Benjamin Franklin, adding recognizable local personalities and entertainment to the experience. The cruise also featured a live DJ, open bar, and food, creating a lively atmosphere for guests aboard.
As the cruise made its way into the water near Subaru Park, a drone captured the boat’s arrival while the Philadelphia Union showcased the cruise on the stadium’s big screen. This coordinated moment generated excitement for fans both aboard the boat and inside the stadium, creating a unique connection between the on-water experience and the energy of game day.
The Impact
By combining local media relations, influencer partnerships, and experiential marketing, Philly PR Girl, along with the Philadelphia Union, helped amplify the Philadelphia Union’s visibility and connect the club with fans across the region. The campaign demonstrated the value of an integrated PR approach that brings together traditional media, digital influence, and real-world fan experiences to keep a sports brand top of mind.
