On Wednesday, Europe's biggest soccer club -- at least in terms of 2011-12 international success -- will take on Major League Soccer's biggest names in a match at PPL Park in suburban Philadelphia.
But before Chelsea FC takes on the MLS All-Stars, something huge is bouncing from place to place in Philly. As you might have guessed by the headline, it's this:
Yes, this gigantic MLS soccer ball has and is currently touring the city, starting last Friday at a ceremony featuring mayor Michael A. Nutter, MLS commissioner Don Garber and a certain guy we all might recognize ...
... and moving throughout the metro area, with fans and their families allowed to sign and take pictures with the ball before it reaches the stadium Wednesday and makes its TV debut (8:30 p.m., ESPN2).
The giant ball in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The ball near the Rocky Steps at PMA.
A father and daughter Saturday at the Global Fusion Festival in Penn's Landing.
Two fans at LOVE Park on Monday.
All images courtesy of Major League Soccer and/or the MLS Facebook page.