Philadelphia Stars

Less than two years after its construction was completed, PPL Park was awarded its first MLS All-Star game, the league announced on Tuesday.

The game has been scheduled for July 25th at 8:00pm ET and will be televised on ESPN2 and Galavision. An opponent has not been announced.

The soccer specific stadium, which has a capacity of 18,500, is the home grounds of the Philadelphia Union, who entered the league in 2010. It hosted its first international friendly last year when the United States played Colombia on Oct. 12.

“Philadelphia has become a destination for hosting major soccer events in recent years, and we are pleased to bring the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game to a region with incredibly passionate soccer supporters,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “The Sons of Ben and the rest of the Union fans will provide an enthusiastic home-field advantage at PPL Park, and we look forward to celebrating our sport with this vibrant soccer community.”

Since opening the doors to its home park, located in Chester, Pa, in June 2010, the Union have been among the league leaders in attendance. In 2011, the Union played before 99% capacity crowds.

The MLS midsummer classic is the first high-profile all-star game held in the Philadelphia region since the 1996 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which was held at the now-demolished Veterans Stadium.