Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew have gone to town on their new stadium design with a desire to break the perceived ‘standard’ of football stadia. Based on what has been developed and/or released so far, they are delivering. The crowning external view comes in the south east corner as defined roof lines and overlapping panels form a cutting triangular hole offering a glimpse of the inside. This just sohappens to be situated at the ‘plaza’ where you’ll also find the club shop and Crewhouse. This is the stadium pub, which is a glass panelled cube with terraced area for outside drinking.

This area is unquestionably the pre-match place to be for your average fan.

The Interior

Now to the inside of the stadium. Let’s start off with the die-hard Columbus Crew fans who will take their position in the North End. Here the stand is split in two different forms, you have the ‘Nordecke’, which is an all-standing section close to the grass, and then there is the terraces. Again, these are standing only but positioned higher to really look over the field to generate a more hostile atmosphere. To the east, you have a two-tiered stand offering a ‘field club’ section for fans to sit level with the pitch in their own confined area as well as being near to the player tunnel. Between the two tiers you have a row of loge boxes; these are VIP boxes where you can watch from inside or venture out to soak in the atmosphere of the crowd.

The south stand is another two-tiered area that is fully seated. The main attraction here is the large screen. Finally, you have the west stand. You’ve got field seats in front of a single tier that runs up to a split level of premium seating and suites.

When it comes to places to eat and drink around the New Columbus Crew Stadium your first range of options all belong in the ground. We’ve already touched on the Crewhouse pub whilst you have a beer garden associated to the Nordecke area on the north west corner. In addition to those two, there are countless bars and eateries inside with more upmarket options available if you’re lucky enough to bag yourself a VIP suite. Of the lounges, the East Field Club is the more ‘entry level’ whilst the most eclectic of the suites is the Field Club.

With regards to outside options, you’d expect a few more restaurants and bars to pop up as the stadium edges towards completion but, even now, there are a couple of places for you to turn to. Rodizio Grill, which is located on West Boulevard Avenue, is just a 15 minute walk whilst Nada’s Mexican and Wario’s Beef and Pork is just a few yards further. If you’re happy to push your walk to 20 to 25 minutes then you’ll bring a couple of steakhouses into scope; Jeff Ruby’s is on 3rd Street and Ruth Chris’s is on High Street along with other options including Italian and American cuisine.

If it’s drinks you’re looking for then your best bet will be the stadium or a new arrival. At the moment, the external options are somewhat limited with the A & R Music Bar and Betty’s the only real bars. Both are around a 10 minute walk from the stadium.

Answering this question is practically impossible. The reason being that the development of the stadium isn’t expected to be complete until the latter summer months in 2021. What you can guarantee though is that away fans will be warmly received by the club whilst having access to an excellent range of facilities and enjoying a decent position to watch a game of football. How can that be promised? Well, it’s what Columbus Crew intend to deliver for every fan stepping into the New Crew Stadium whether they be home or away supporters.

Much like with the away fans comments, it is hard to comment too heavily on transportation when nobody has done it on gameday. From what we know, the majority of people will be opting for driving to the ground. There is already substantial works taking place to make access to the stadium easier with the addition of a third lane to Nationwide Boulevard. It’s not all about getting to the ground though – you’ll need to park too. Thankfully, within a half mile radius there will be over 6,000 parking spots. Of course, you’ll have parking options slightly further afield too.

If driving isn’t your thing then you’ve also got the bus. It’s expected that stops will be added to drop off directly outside of the stadium but even in the current structure routes 3 and 8 stop on Neil Avenue, which means you can reach the New Columbus Crew Stadium in just 10 minutes on foot.

If you are keen to spend the night near the New Crew stadium then a word of warning – expect to splash out. Your cheapest option within walking distance is the Red Roof Inn PLUS is a mile away but at $230 a night, it’s pricey as a 3-star stay goes. If you want to push the boat slightly further then the Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square is a star upgrade and will cost you just an extra $30. It does put an extra half mile on your route to the stadium though.

Chicago Fire

The below link will take you to the team website.

Schedule | Columbus Crew SC