For the first time ever, an MLS Supporters Group joined forces with an official MLS outfitter to create a line of apparel items. And Thursday night, the brain child between the Sons of Ben and Mitchell & Ness was revealed at the company’s flagship store in Philadelphia.
The line, Sons of Ben X Mitchell & Ness x Philadelphia Union, was out on display - giving the media, the team, and of course the Sons of Ben an up-close look at the merchandise before it hits shelves in the Union Shop on Saturday.
The line consists of both men’s and women’s t-shirts and hats and as made in efforts to encapsulate the spirit of the Sons of Ben while staying true to Mitchell & Ness’ identity as a brand. Talks between the two groups started back in the winter when the outfitter contacted the supporters group about wanting to begin collaboration. From there, Ryan Bross, Tifo Director for Sons of Ben, helped design and inspire some of the images seen throughout the line.
One of the most prevalent symbols throughout the merchandise is the Union snake, depicted on hats, shirts, and a crewneck sweatshirt; one t-shirt even boasts snakeskin on the front, and Sons of Ben checkered print on the back. Another popular item of the night was a dual-colored hat that featured split emblems of both the Philadelphia Union and Sons of Ben to create a pretty interesting visual piece.
Sons of Ben x Mitchell & Ness x Philadelphia Union is a limited edition collection and will only be stocked once in the Union Store. Items will be up for sale on Saturday July 9th ahead of the Union’s match against D.C. United. The line will also go live online on MLSStore.com when the game begins – so if you are on the fence about purchasing any of these items, just do it – given the enthusiastic response it received on Thursday night, these items won’t be around for long!
