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Historic Crew Stadium
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Historic Crew Stadium
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Historic Crew Stadium, previously known as Columbus Crew Stadium and Mapfre Stadium, is a soccer-specific stadium in Columbus, Ohio, United States. It primarily served as the home stadium of the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer from 1999 until 2021, when the team moved to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Historic Crew Stadium is the current home of the Crew's training facility, the OhioHealth Performance Center and MLS Next Pro team Columbus Crew 2, as well as the Columbus Aviators in the United Football League (UFL).[4] Historic Crew Stadium is also the site of a variety of additional events in amateur and professional soccer, American football, lacrosse, and rugby, and is a regular site for outdoor concerts due to the permanent stage in the north end zone.

Key Information

Built in 1999, it was the first soccer-specific stadium built by a Major League Soccer team, starting an important trend in MLS stadium construction. The stadium was named for Madrid-based Mapfre Insurance after the company signed a 5-year sponsorship agreement announced on March 3, 2015. In December 2020, the deal expired and the Crew renamed the stadium.[5] The listed seating capacity is 19,968. In 2015, Mapfre Stadium and Director of Grounds Weston Appelfeller were honored with the prestigious Field of the Year award by the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) for the professional soccer division.[6]

History

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The Crew played their first three seasons at Ohio Stadium on the campus of the Ohio State University. During games, large sections of the stadium were blocked off to reduce capacity from approximately 90,000 to 25,243. Although the Crew enjoyed success at Ohio Stadium during their tenure there, the large seating capacity and limitations to the field size made the stadium ill-suited for soccer. Additionally, Ohio Stadium then required rented lights for night matches. These problems, along with planned renovations to Ohio Stadium, which began in 1999, were all factors in the development of Historic Crew Stadium.[7] The construction cost of US$28.5 million was covered entirely with private funds from Crew owner and oil billionaire Lamar Hunt and his Hunt Sports group.[7] It is located on the grounds of the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds, between East 17th Avenue and East Hudson Street. The site was previously home to Columbus Auto Parts, an OEM factory supplying the automobile industry, which stood vacant for decades between the Conrail railroad tracks and Interstate 71 before its demolition in the '90s.[citation needed]

Columbus Crew Stadium inaugural match, Columbus Crew v New England Revolution, 15 May 1999

Historic Crew Stadium opened on May 15, 1999, as Columbus Crew Stadium with a match between the home side and the New England Revolution. It is the second soccer-specific stadium built in the country, after Steel Athletic Field was built in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1913, and the first Major League Soccer stadium constructed in the United States. It has been credited with inspiring the wave of construction of soccer-specific stadiums throughout the league. In the 2010 Showcase issue of Stadia Magazine, Ian Nuttall stated "Who'd have thought when it opened in 1999 that Major League Soccer's first purpose-built stadium would kick-start the wave of dedicated soccer-specific stadiums that continue today?"[8] The seating capacity was originally 22,555 until 2008 when construction of a permanent stage in the north end zone reduced seating capacity to 20,455, with room to expand to 30,000 total seats for concerts.[9][10] as of 2023, the seating capacity for a soccer game is 19,968.

After nearly 15 years of the stadium not having a corporate sponsor, the Crew announced naming rights were sold to Madrid-based insurance company Mapfre on March 3, 2015. The team had been searching to sell stadium naming rights since it opened in 1999, but had been unable to come to an agreement.[11][12]

Events

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In addition to hosting the Crew home games, Historic Crew Stadium has also hosted other Major League Soccer and professional soccer events. It was the site of the 2001 MLS Cup championship and was the host stadium for the Major League Soccer All-Star Game in 2000 and 2005. The stadium also hosted the U.S. Open Cup final on two occasions, in 1999 and 2002.

Both the United States men's and women's national teams have played numerous matches at Historic Crew Stadium, most notably, the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier in February 2001 between the U.S. and Mexico known as La Guerra Fria (The Cold War) due to sub-freezing temperatures. During the 2003 Women's World Cup, the stadium was one of the venues used during the group stage of the tournament. In 2018, Mapfre Stadium was one of three sites selected to host the SheBelieves Cup.

Historic Crew Stadium has also hosted events outside of professional soccer. The NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship was held at Crew Stadium in 2001 and 2003. In 2002, it hosted the Steinfeld Cup, the championship game of Major League Lacrosse. In June 2010, Historic Crew Stadium hosted the inaugural USA Sevens Rugby Collegiate Championship Invitational.[13]

The venue was a regular site for Ohio High School Athletic Association state championship tournaments in soccer. In the local Columbus area, it is the site for the annual Westerville Football Classic, featuring the Westerville Central, Westerville North, Westerville South, and New Albany football teams. It has also been host to the local high school football rivalry of parochial schools Bishop Watterson High School and St. Francis DeSales High School.

In August 2025, the Mid-American Conference announced the 2025 and 2026 women’s soccer conference tournament would be held at the stadium.[14]

International soccer

[edit]

2003 FIFA Women's World Cup

[edit]

The 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup was played in the United States. Historic Crew Stadium hosted several group game matches.

Date Team #1 Result Team #2 Round Spectators
September 20, 2003 Germany  4–1  Canada Group C 16,409
Japan  6–0  Argentina
September 24, 2003 Germany  3–0  Japan 15,529
Canada  3–0  Argentina
September 28, 2003 Sweden  3–0  Nigeria Group A 22,828
North Korea  0–3  United States

U.S. women's national soccer team

[edit]
Date Teams Competition
October 3, 1999 United States  5–0  South Korea Friendly
September 28, 2003 United States  3–0  North Korea 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup Group A
May 17, 2011 United States  2–0  Japan Friendly
October 30, 2013 United States  1–1  New Zealand Friendly
September 15, 2016 United States  9–0  Thailand Friendly
March 1, 2018 United States  1–0  Germany 2018 SheBelieves Cup
November 7, 2019 United States  3–2  Sweden Friendly

U.S. men's national soccer team

[edit]
The crowd performs a card display prior to the 2018 World Cup qualifier between the United States MNT and Mexico on November 11, 2016

Since the opening of Historic Crew Stadium, it has been a regular site for the United States men's national soccer team matches, hosting ten games through 2013. The men's national team held an unbeaten record of 8–3–0 in all competitions, outscoring opponents 19–1. This was until the U.S. was beaten by Mexico on Veterans Day 2016.

The stadium has hosted five consecutive World Cup qualifying matches against Mexico, with the U.S. winning four of the five matches by the same score of 2–0 (with the U.S. fans adopting the rallying cry of dos-a-cero).

The national team was beaten by Mexico on November 11, 2016, by a score of 1–2, prompting Mexico's first ever win in Columbus, and the U.S.'s first World Cup qualifying defeat on home soil in 15 years. It hosted a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Guatemala on March 29, 2016, which the US won, 4–0.

Date Teams Competition Attendance
October 11, 2000 United States  0–0  Costa Rica 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF semifinals 24,430
February 28, 2001 United States  2–0  Mexico 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF final round 24,329
June 7, 2001[15] United States  0–0  Ecuador Friendly 12,572
July 6, 2003[16] United States  2–0  Paraguay Friendly 14,103
June 13, 2004 United States  3–0  Grenada 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF second round 10,000
November 17, 2004 United States  1–1  Jamaica 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF third round 9,088
September 3, 2005 United States  2–0  Mexico 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF fourth round 24,685
February 11, 2009 United States  2–0  Mexico 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF fourth round 23,776
September 11, 2012 United States  1–0  Jamaica 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF third round 23,881
September 10, 2013 United States  2–0  Mexico 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF fourth round 24,584
March 29, 2016 United States  4–0  Guatemala 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF fourth round 20,624
November 11, 2016 United States  1–2  Mexico 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF fifth round 24,650

MLS Cup Finals

[edit]

Since the opening of Historic Crew Stadium, it has hosted three MLS Cup Finals, once as a neutral site, and twice as Columbus Crew played host. The latter two occurred following a 2012 MLS rules change which did away with a neutral site for the Final, and instead has the club with the best overall regular-season record hosting the match.[17][18]

Date Teams Competition Attendance
October 21, 2001 LA Galaxy 1–2 San Jose Earthquakes 2001 MLS Cup Final 21,626
December 6, 2015 Columbus Crew SC 1–2 Portland Timbers 2015 MLS Cup Final 21,747
December 12, 2020 Columbus Crew SC 3–0 Seattle Sounders FC 2020 MLS Cup Final 1,500
(COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions)

Concerts

[edit]

The stadium hosts numerous concerts annually, most notably Rock on the Range, an annual festival of performances by rock bands that was held from 2007 to 2018, and replaced by Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival in 2019. Concerts by Rascal Flatts also closed out the Ohio State Fair in 2006, 2007, and 2009. A permanent stage, built in 2008, was constructed in the north end of the stadium to accommodate concerts after the closing of Germain Amphitheater. The addition replaced about 2,100 seats in the north end.

Date Artist(s) Opening act(s) Tour Tickets sold Revenue Additional notes
August 20, 2001 NSYNC Amanda PopOdyssey — —
May 17, 2008 Stone Temple Pilots — 2008 Reunion Tour — — This concert was part of Rock on the Range.
July 29, 2008 Dave Matthews Band Ingrid Michaelson 2008 Summer Tour — — LeRoi Moore did not play due to injury.[19]
May 23, 2009 Kenny Chesney Lady Antebellum
Miranda Lambert
Sugarland		 Sun City Carnival Tour 25,088 / 25,088 $1,943,542
June 26, 2011 Billy Currington
Uncle Cracker		 Goin' Coastal Tour 20,321 / 25,657 $1,414,354
August 5, 2011 Journey Foreigner
Night Ranger		 Eclipse Tour — — This concert was part of the Ohio State Fair.
June 29, 2013 Kenny Chesney
Eric Church		 Eli Young Band
Kacey Musgraves		 No Shoes Nation Tour 27,571 / 27,571 $2,273,594
September 14, 2014 Jason Aldean Florida Georgia Line
Tyler Farr		 Burn It Down Tour 26,350 / 26,350 $1,370,903
May 17, 2015 Linkin Park Of Mice & Men
Rise Against		 The Hunting Party Tour 40,000 / 40,000 — This concert was part of Rock on the Range.
June 16, 2018 Kenny Chesney Thomas Rhett
Old Dominion
Brandon Lay		 Trip Around The Sun Tour 26,455 / 27,207 $3,186,820
August 17, 2021 Green Day
Fall Out Boy
Weezer		 The Interrupters Hella Mega Tour — —
August 18, 2022 Kenny Chesney Dan + Shay
Carly Pearce		 Here and Now Tour — —

Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival

[edit]
See also: Sonic Temple (festival)

Sonic Temple is a music festival for Rock music and Heavy metal music held at the venue. Approximately 175,000 people went in May 2025.[20]

Year Day Temple Stage Attendance
2019 May 17 System of a Down, Ghost 120,000
May 18 Disturbed, Papa Roach
May 19 Foo Fighters, Bring Me the Horizon
2023 May 25 Tool, Godsmack
May 26 Avenged Sevenfold, Queens of the Stone Age
May 27 Kiss, Rob Zombie
May 28 Foo Fighters, Deftones
2024 May 16 Disturbed, Evanescence 138,000[21]
May 17 Misfits, Falling in Reverse
May 18 Pantera, Staind
May 19 Slipknot, Limp Bizkit
2025 May 8 Korn, Bad Omens 175,000+[22]
May 9 Metallica, Rob Zombie
May 10 Linkin Park, Incubus
May 11 Metallica, Alice in Chains

Post-Crew

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Aerial footage of the final Columbus Crew game at Historic Crew Stadium on June 19, 2021.

As part of the new ownership proposal for the Crew unveiled in 2018, the club announced plans to build a new stadium, eventually known as ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, west of the Arena District near Downtown Columbus. At the time of the proposal, the new stadium would seat 20,000 spectators and include 30 suites and 1,900 club seats. Construction on the new stadium began in October 2019.[23] With the new stadium having opened on July 3, 2021, Historic Crew Stadium was to be redeveloped into the Crew's training center and community sports park, as well as a concert venue.[24] The OhioHealth Performance Center training facility, incorporating the stadium itself, opened in June 2021.[25]

As of 2020, a new authority owns Historic Crew Stadium and its adjacent city sports park, with the team continuing to control the stadium in terms of its use as a practice facility and their second-level team.[26] The Crew played their final game at Historic Crew Stadium against the Chicago Fire FC, winning 2–0.[27]

Starting in the 2022 season, the Crew's second-level squad, Columbus Crew 2, play in the stadium, with the first game on April 15, 2022, against Orlando City B.[28]

On July 31, 2025, the United Football League announced plans to bring a team to the stadium for the 2026 season.[29]

Notes

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Historic Crew Stadium

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from Grokipedia
Historic Crew Stadium is a in , that opened on May 15, 1999, as the first purpose-built venue for (MLS) in the United States. It served as the home field for the from the team's inaugural 1999 season through 2021, accommodating approximately 20,000 seated spectators for soccer matches and expanding to 27,000 for concerts with its permanent stage added in 2008. Originally constructed at a cost of $28.5 million on the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds, the stadium revolutionized professional soccer infrastructure in by prioritizing sightlines, field dimensions, and fan amenities tailored to the sport. The venue's name has evolved to reflect its legacy and sponsorships: it debuted as Columbus Crew Stadium, adopted the MAPFRE Stadium moniker in 2015 through a naming rights agreement with the Spanish insurance company, and was renamed Historic Crew Stadium in 2021 following the Crew's move to the new Lower.com Field. Over its tenure as the Crew's home, the stadium became a of the franchise's success, hosting the team's 2008 and 2020 MLS Cup victories and contributing to two league titles during that period. Beyond club play, it has been a pivotal site for MLS expansion, drawing record crowds for its inaugural match—a 2–0 Crew win over the attended by 24,741 fans—and symbolizing the league's growth from its early years. Historic Crew Stadium's broader impact lies in its role as a national and international soccer landmark, having hosted four MLS Cup finals (2001, 2008, 2015, and 2020), two MLS All-Star Games (2000 and 2005), and eight FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the United States men's national team, including four iconic "Dos a Cero" triumphs over Mexico in 2001, 2005, 2009, and 2013. It also featured group stage matches for the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup finals, and diverse non-soccer events such as the Rock on the Range and Sonic Temple music festivals, along with concerts by artists including Kenny Chesney and Green Day. As of November 2025, under ownership by the Haslam Sports Group, it functions as the home of Columbus Crew 2 in MLS Next Pro, the Crew's reserve developmental team, while continuing to host concerts, youth tournaments, community events, MLS All-Star Week activities in 2024, and home games for a United Football League (UFL) team starting in 2026 that preserve its status as a multifaceted entertainment hub.

History

Planning and Construction

In the mid-1990s, as Major League Soccer launched with the Columbus Crew as one of its founding franchises, owner Lamar Hunt committed to constructing the league's first soccer-specific stadium to provide an optimal environment for the sport, distinct from multi-purpose venues used for American football. Plans for the stadium emerged following the team's inaugural seasons at Ohio Stadium, with Hunt pursuing sites that could support a dedicated facility emphasizing soccer's intimacy and fan engagement. After exploring options including a proposed location in Dublin, Ohio, in 1997, the project settled on a site at the Ohio Expo Center in northeast Columbus. The selected 18-acre parcel of industrial land near the was chosen for its strategic accessibility via and Lane Avenue, facilitating easy reach for fans across central , as well as its potential for future expansion and integration with the expo center's infrastructure. This location allowed for a compact design that prioritized proximity to the field while accommodating parking and support facilities on the surrounding grounds. The site's position in a developing area also aligned with Hunt's vision for a sustainable, community-oriented venue that could host soccer events year-round. Funding for the $28.5 million project came entirely from private sources, with Lamar Hunt and his Hunt Sports Group covering all costs after public funding referendums failed in 1997 and 1998. Construction began with groundbreaking on August 14, 1998, managed by general contractor Kokosing Construction under the architectural direction of NBBJ. The build progressed rapidly over nine months, incorporating steel and concrete elements for durable, open stands. The design drew inspiration from European soccer stadia, focusing on steep seating bowls to ensure excellent sightlines and a sense of closeness to the action, blended with American amenities like concourses for concessions and restrooms. This approach set a model for future MLS facilities, emphasizing functionality for soccer over versatility for other sports, and resulted in a 22,500-seat venue completed in spring 1999.

Opening and Early Years

Historic Crew Stadium, originally known as Columbus Crew Stadium, officially opened on May 15, 1999, marking the debut of the first soccer-specific stadium in the United States. The inaugural match featured the Columbus Crew defeating the New England Revolution 2-0 before an overflow crowd of 24,741 spectators. Goals from Jeff Cunningham and Stern John highlighted the evening, with Cunningham scoring the first and assisting on the second. In its first season, the stadium averaged 17,701 attendees per home game across 16 matches, totaling 283,229 fans and contributing to the growth of MLS fan culture through dedicated supporter groups like the Loyal Supporters, which pioneered organized chants, flags, and tifos in . The open-air design included innovative seating areas with grass hills for casual viewing, fostering a community-oriented atmosphere that drew families and local soccer enthusiasts. This strong turnout helped solidify the 's place in Columbus, with the privately funded $28.5 million construction project creating hundreds of jobs in the local area during its nine-month build from August 1998. The stadium quickly became central to the Crew's early successes, hosting the team's first playoff run in 1999, which culminated in the Eastern Conference Finals against . The following year, it hosted the , where the Eastern Conference All-Stars defeated the Western Conference 9-4 in front of 23,495 fans, further boosting the venue's profile. However, the open-air structure presented challenges with Ohio's variable weather, as early matches and events exposed fans to cold temperatures and precipitation without initial permanent protections, leading to creative adaptations like bundled attire for winter games.

Stadium Design and Facilities

Architecture and Layout

Historic Crew Stadium features an oval-shaped bowl design optimized for soccer, consisting of four two-tiered stands that encircle a natural grass playing field measuring 115 yards by 75 yards. Surrounding the main seating areas are grass berms that provide additional informal viewing space, contributing to the stadium's intimate and immersive atmosphere. The overall layout emphasizes proximity to the action, allowing spectators an up-close experience that enhances the game's energy. The structure relies on a robust framework combined with construction, creating a sturdy yet open-air venue without a full to maintain a natural, breezy feel suitable for outdoor sports. Key elements include the press box and luxury suites housed in the west stand, which offer elevated views and premium facilities, while a prominent is located at the south end for clear visibility across the venue. Materials such as split-face , horizontal beams, and accents define the exterior, blending industrial strength with modern aesthetics. Accessibility is facilitated by multiple entrances on all four sides of the stadium, enabling efficient crowd flow, complemented by on-site lots including access to Ohio State Fairgrounds accommodations. The design also incorporated provisions for future expansion, with total capacity up to 35,000 including for festivals and seated expansion to 27,000 via temporary seating and enhancements, reflecting foresight in its original planning by architects .

Capacity and Amenities

Historic Crew Stadium features a fixed seating capacity of 19,968, designed primarily for soccer configurations. This can be expanded to accommodate up to 27,000 spectators through the addition of temporary and berms for larger events, while festival modes allow for crowds exceeding 35,000 in open configurations. The venue includes 28 luxury suites available for rental, providing premium viewing options with private amenities for events. Club seating areas offer enhanced access to lounges and in-seat services, though specific capacities vary by configuration. Concessions are operated on a cashless basis across multiple stands, accepting major credit cards and featuring conversion machines for cash on select concourses. Restrooms are distributed throughout the facility, including and options on the main equipped with baby changing stations and ADA . Fan-oriented features include a for announcements and video boards for event visuals and updates. is prioritized with full ADA compliance, including designated seating, ramps at the southwest and southeast entrances, an in the southwest corner, and reserved near Gates 4 and 5. The stadium maintains a natural grass playing surface through routine , supported by an system to preserve field quality for soccer and other events.

Soccer Events

Major League Soccer Tenure

Historic Crew Stadium served as the home venue for the from 1999 through 2021, hosting every regular-season and playoff home match across 22 seasons. As the league's inaugural , it provided a dedicated space that fostered consistent fan engagement and contributed to the team's on-field stability during its early growth phases. Over this period, the Crew compiled a robust home record, leveraging the intimate setting to build a reputation for defensive solidity and passionate supporter atmospheres. Attendance at the stadium reflected the team's evolving popularity, beginning with an average of 17,696 fans per home game in the inaugural 1999 season. Figures fluctuated in subsequent years but surged during competitive peaks in the , with sellouts exceeding 20,000 attendees becoming common in successful campaigns, such as the 2015 season when total home crowds reached 351,137 across regular-season and playoff matches. The stadium's record single-game attendance was 24,741, set during the 1999 home opener against the . This growth underscored the venue's role in cultivating a loyal fanbase, particularly as the Crew achieved milestones like the 2008 , where they posted an 11-2-2 home record en route to clinching the regular-season title. In 2020, pivotal home performances in the pre-bubble portion of the season helped propel the team toward their triumph, highlighting the stadium's enduring home-field edge. The venue amplified key rivalries, most notably the Ohio Derby against , dubbed the "Hell is Real" derby after a prominent roadside sign near Columbus. These matchups, which intensified upon Cincinnati's MLS entry in 2019, drew fervent crowds and showcased the stadium's electric atmosphere, with the Crew holding a dominant edge in home encounters. Home advantage manifested in defensive feats, including extended sequences during the 2008 campaign that bolstered their league-leading points tally, and offensive outbursts such as the 5-0 rout of in the 2015 regular season finale. By the late , aging infrastructure— including outdated facilities and limited expansion potential—prompted the Crew's ownership to pursue a relocation, culminating in the 2021 announcement of a move to the new Lower.com Field downtown. This shift marked the end of an era, as the stadium's final MLS match on June 19, 2021, saw the Crew secure a 2-0 victory over the , extending a seven-game unbeaten streak against that opponent at the venue.

International Matches

Historic Crew Stadium has served as a prominent venue for international soccer, hosting matches involving national teams and global tournaments that underscored its role in advancing the sport in the . Its selection for such events stemmed from its status as the nation's first , offering an intimate atmosphere conducive to high-level competition. The stadium played a key role in the , hosting multiple group stage fixtures across Groups A and C. Notable games included the ' 3-0 victory over on September 28, 2003, which drew a crowd of 22,828 and featured goals from and Cat Reddick (two). Other matches at the venue that day saw draw 1-1 with , while earlier contests like Germany's 2-1 win against on September 20 and 3-0 triumph over on September 24 further highlighted Columbus as a hub for the tournament. These events, part of the competition's relocation to the U.S. following the outbreak in , benefited from the stadium's design tailored for soccer, fostering enthusiastic support from local fans familiar with . The U.S. Women's National Team has competed at the stadium in nine matches since 1999, compiling a record of seven wins, one loss, and one draw. Highlights include a 5-0 rout of on October 3, 1999, attended by 23,101 spectators—the highest turnout for a USWNT game there—and a 1-0 upset win against on March 1, 2018, with 19,968 in attendance. These friendlies and qualifiers, often serving as preparation for major tournaments, showcased stars like and and drew diverse crowds, reinforcing the venue's reputation for women's soccer excellence. For the U.S. Men's National Team, Historic Crew Stadium became a "fortress" for qualifying, hosting 11 such matches with an 8-1-2 record, scoring 16 goals while conceding only four. Iconic results include four "Dos a Cero" victories over —2-0 wins in 2001, 2005, 2009, and 2013—that secured berths to the 2002, 2006, and 2014 s and popularized the phrase among fans. The first qualifier there, a 0-0 draw against on October 11, 2000, marked the beginning of this legacy, with subsequent games like the 4-0 thrashing of in 2016 featuring Christian Pulisic's debut. These contests, drawing passionate support, elevated the stadium's international stature. Beyond senior national teams, the venue accommodated CONCACAF qualifiers and youth internationals in the 2000s, contributing to its diverse event portfolio. Overall, these international fixtures attracted over 200,000 spectators cumulatively, boosting media coverage and community engagement while establishing Columbus as a vital stop on the global soccer circuit.

MLS Cup Finals

Historic Crew Stadium has hosted three MLS Cup finals, underscoring its pivotal role in Major League Soccer's championship history as the first soccer-specific stadium in the United States. The venue was selected for early neutral-site finals due to its central location in the Midwest and emerging soccer heritage, providing an ideal neutral ground for teams from both conferences. Later finals were hosted by the Columbus Crew as the higher-seeded team, aligning with MLS playoff hosting rules that favor regular-season performance. These events drew passionate crowds and contributed to the league's growth by showcasing high-stakes soccer in a dedicated facility, with the 2015 final setting a then-record attendance for a non-neutral-site championship. The inaugural MLS Cup at Crew Stadium occurred on October 21, 2001, as a neutral-site final between the San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles Galaxy. In front of 21,626 spectators, the Galaxy struck first in the 21st minute through Landon Donovan's assist to Luis Hernández, but the Earthquakes equalized late in regulation via Ronnie Ekelund before Dwayne De Rosario scored the golden-goal winner in extra time, securing San Jose's first title and earning him MVP honors. The match marked the first MLS Cup played entirely on a soccer-specific surface, highlighting the stadium's innovative design and fostering an electric atmosphere with fans from both coasts creating a vibrant, cross-country rivalry vibe. This event elevated the venue's profile, demonstrating how a purpose-built stadium could enhance the championship experience compared to multi-purpose arenas used previously. On December 6, 2015, MAPFRE Stadium (as Crew Stadium was then known) hosted the between the home SC and , drawing a record 21,747 fans for a final at the time. The Timbers took a 2-0 lead with goals from and Lucas Melano, but pulled one back for Columbus in the 54th minute; Portland held on for a 2-1 victory, claiming their first MLS title in a tense, end-to-end affair. The atmosphere was charged with local pride, as the Nordecke supporter section generated relentless energy despite the cold December weather, amplifying the stakes for the Crew's bid for a second championship. This final exemplified the stadium's capacity to host marquee events, boosting MLS visibility through strong attendance and national broadcast reach. The stadium's final MLS Cup came on December 12, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with Columbus Crew SC hosting the Seattle Sounders FC before a limited crowd of 1,500 due to health protocols. Columbus dominated with a 3-0 win, as Lucas Zelarayán scored twice and Gyasi Zardes added one, earning the club their second title and him MVP accolades in a clinical performance. The subdued yet focused environment underscored the venue's resilience, serving as a poignant capstone to its MLS era before the Crew's relocation, while reinforcing Columbus's legacy in league history.

Youth and Amateur Soccer

Since its opening in 1999, Historic Crew Stadium has served as a key venue for youth and amateur soccer in , particularly through the (OHSAA) state championships. Beginning in the , the stadium hosted annual boys' and girls' state finals across multiple divisions, with individual matches drawing 1,300 to 3,200 spectators in 2000 alone. These multi-day events collectively attracted over 10,000 attendees, providing high school players with a professional-grade facility for championship play. The tradition continued annually, establishing the stadium as the premier site for Ohio's top high school soccer competition. At the college level, Historic Crew Stadium has hosted significant NCAA tournament games, including the Division I Men's Soccer Championship semifinals and final known as the College Cup in 2001 and 2003. In 2001, the event featured defeating 2-0 in the championship match on December 16, co-hosted by the and . Similarly, the 2003 College Cup semifinals and final were held there on December 12 and 14, drawing national attention to collegiate soccer in Columbus. These events highlighted the stadium's role in elevating amateur soccer beyond local boundaries. Following the Columbus Crew's move to Lower.com Field in 2022, Historic Crew Stadium became the primary home for Columbus Crew 2, the club's MLS Next Pro reserve team and inaugural league champions in 2022 as well as Eastern Conference regular season winners in 2023, hosting more than 14 home games per season. The venue continues to support major amateur tournaments, including the 2025 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Women's Soccer Championship from November 1 to 7, which featured quarterfinals through the final at the stadium. Immediately following, the OHSAA Boys' and Girls' State Finals took place November 7 to 10, 2025, culminating in Division I championships such as Upper Arlington versus Cincinnati Seton. The stadium also supports community-level youth soccer through the Columbus Crew's development system, hosting academy matches and training sessions for emerging talents. Crew Youth Soccer runs full-day summer and winter camps at the facility, accommodating hundreds of participants annually and focusing on technical, tactical, physical, and psychological development. These programs utilize the stadium's professional turf and amenities to foster growth within Ohio's soccer community.

Entertainment Events

Concerts

Historic Crew Stadium has hosted numerous major concert performances since the early 2000s, establishing itself as a key venue for live in . The stadium's first significant concert was the 'N Sync PopOdyssey Tour on August 20, 2001, which drew a sold-out crowd and marked the beginning of its transition from a soccer-specific facility to a multi-purpose entertainment hub. This event set a precedent for high-profile pop and rock acts, with the stadium's intimate capacity of around 20,000 providing an energetic atmosphere for summer outdoor shows. In the 2000s and , the stadium became a regular stop for country and rock artists, with performing multiple times during his tours, including shows in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2018, often drawing near-capacity crowds of over 20,000. Other notable acts included on July 29, 2008, as part of their Summer Tour, which attracted thousands and highlighted the venue's suitability for jam-band performances. Country star headlined on September 14, 2014, with openers and , while brought their high-energy rock show on May 17, 2015, supported by Of Mice & Men and . These events exemplified the stadium's growing reputation for hosting diverse genres, with attendance figures typically ranging from 18,000 to 25,000 depending on stage configuration. The 2020s saw a post-pandemic resurgence in concerts at the venue, facilitated by promoter Live Nation, which has organized several high-profile shows and series, including on August 8, 2024, as part of the Sun Goes Down Tour. performed on the Unreal Unearth Tour in 2025, drawing enthusiastic crowds to the open-air setting. Ongoing Live Nation programming continues to feature artists like and others in integrated event lineups, maintaining the stadium's role in Columbus's live music scene. Logistically, concerts at Historic Crew Stadium utilize a permanent 7,200-square-foot measuring 120 feet wide by 60 feet deep, typically positioned at the north end to optimize sightlines and acoustics. The natural grass field is protected with specialized temporary systems during events to prevent damage from heavy equipment, staging, and foot traffic, ensuring the turf remains viable for soccer. Sound systems are adapted for the stadium's , with elevated trussing at 47 feet from the stage and 53 feet from the field level, supported by built-in catwalks and power infrastructure including multiple 500-amp audio feeds. These concerts have contributed significantly to the local economy, with the stadium's overall events—including performances—generating over $384 million in direct spending from 1999 to 2012 alone, boosting hotels, restaurants, and in peak years.

Music and Art Festivals

Historic Crew Stadium has been a prominent venue for multi-day and art festivals since its opening, particularly those centered on rock and metal genres, transforming the site into a key destination for large-scale outdoor events in the Midwest. The stadium's expansive layout and capacity have supported immersive experiences combining live with , drawing tens of thousands of attendees annually. The precursor to modern festivals at the venue was , an annual hard rock and metal event that debuted in 2007 and ran through 2018, featuring lineups with acts like Metallica, , and Korn across multiple stages. This established the stadium's reputation for hosting major rock gatherings, with attendance often exceeding 100,000 over the weekend and contributing to the venue's evolution as a festival hub. In its later years, it included elements like vendor villages and fan zones, setting the stage for more integrated art and music programming. Succeeding Rock on the Range, the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival launched in 2019 under promoter Danny Wimmer Presents, expanding the format to emphasize both music and visual arts with large-scale installations, curated murals, and artist-designed towers scattered across the grounds. The event, held over four days in May, focuses on rock, metal, and punk acts, with over 140 bands performing on up to five stages in recent editions; for instance, the 2025 lineup headlined by Metallica (appearing on two nights), Linkin Park, and Korn attracted a sold-out crowd of 175,000 attendees, marking the largest rock festival in the venue's history. Art components have grown significantly, including immersive sculptures and live painting sessions that complement the music, alongside diverse food and beverage vendors enhancing the festival atmosphere. Operationally, Sonic Temple utilizes the stadium's festival capacity of over 35,000 per day, with expansions to adjacent areas for additional stages and art displays, while nearby camping options accommodate out-of-town visitors. As an outdoor event, it implements weather policies such as rain-or-shine attendance and ground conditions management, though has occasionally impacted schedules in past years. These festivals, spanning more than 15 editions combined, have solidified Columbus's role as a central Midwest destination for rock and metal enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant cultural scene through sustained high-impact programming.

Post-Crew Era

Renaming and Ownership

The relocation of the SC from its original stadium was precipitated by ongoing lease disputes with the City of Columbus and owner Anthony Precourt's efforts to secure a new venue, culminating in his October 2017 announcement of plans to move the team to . Precourt cited the expiring lease at the stadium—set to end without renewal terms—and the need for modern facilities as key factors, leading to negotiations that failed to yield a commitment from local authorities. In response, a movement known as the #SaveTheCrew campaign, led by supporters' groups, mobilized public opposition to the potential departure, raising awareness and pressuring stakeholders to intervene. To block the relocation, the State of and City of Columbus filed a in March 2018 against Precourt Sports Ventures and , invoking Ohio's Art Modell Law, which requires teams receiving public subsidies to provide advance notice before relocating. The suit sought to enforce compliance and prevent the move without proper notification, highlighting the stadium's role as a publicly supported asset since its 1999 opening. The legal action was resolved in December 2018 when an agreement was reached to sell the franchise to a local ownership group comprising the Haslam Sports Group—led by Jimmy and —and the Edwards family for $150 million, ensuring the team's retention in Columbus and dismissal of the suit. Under the new ownership, the committed to constructing a replacement venue, Lower.com Field, which opened on July 3, 2021, marking the team's full transition downtown. The original stadium hosted its final Crew match on June 19, 2021, a 2-0 victory over the attended by a full capacity crowd of nearly 20,000, symbolizing the end of an era. In conjunction with the move, the venue was renamed Historic Crew Stadium in 2021 to commemorate its pioneering status and facilitate repurposing for non-team events while preserving its legacy. Ownership of Historic Crew Stadium remains with the Columbus Crew organization, now operated by Haslam Sports Group, which retains control and leases the facility for concerts, youth soccer, and other programming without significant structural alterations. Preservation efforts emphasize its designation as Major League Soccer's inaugural , where it hosted foundational events including the league's first such match in 1999, multiple MLS Cups, All-Star Games, and U.S. national team victories like the "Dos a Cero" series against . This recognition underscores its enduring impact on American soccer infrastructure, influencing the development of dedicated venues league-wide.

Current and Recent Uses

Since 2022, Historic Crew Stadium has served as the primary home venue for , the of the in Major League Soccer's developmental league. The team has played the majority of its regular-season matches there, contributing to the stadium's ongoing role as a hub for professional soccer development. In the 2024 MLS Next Pro season, finished with an 11-9-8 record, securing sixth place in the Eastern Conference and advancing to their third consecutive Eastern Conference Final. Highlights included a playoff quarterfinal victory over on October 20, 2024, where they scored a record six goals in a road match, setting league postseason marks for most goals overall and away. In the 2025 MLS Next Pro season, finished with a 5–6–17 record, placing 15th in the Eastern Conference and missing the . The stadium has continued to host significant high school and collegiate soccer events from 2023 through 2025. It served as the site for the (OHSAA) Boys and Girls Soccer State Tournaments in each of those years, including the 2025 championships that concluded on November 7. Additionally, Historic Crew Stadium hosted the 2025 (MAC) Women's Soccer Championship from November 1 to 7, featuring quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final match. Entertainment programming has remained diverse, with non-sports events emphasizing music festivals and circuses. The Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival returned in 2024 from May 16 to 19, drawing over 138,000 attendees across four days with headliners including Disturbed, , and Slipknot. In 2025, the festival was held from May 8 to 11, drawing a sold-out crowd of 175,000 attendees with headliners including Metallica, , and Korn, and has been confirmed to continue at the venue through at least 2029 as part of a multi-year agreement. The Italia Water Circus performed there on November 21, 2024, showcasing an aquatic-themed production, with similar family-oriented circus events anticipated in subsequent years to broaden non-music offerings. Attendance at Historic Crew Stadium events has maintained steady levels, typically ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 per soccer match and higher for festivals, underscoring its focus on through accessible programming. The venue supports over 20 events annually, including soccer showcases coordinated with the Columbus Sports Commission, positioning it as a key asset for regional sports and entertainment initiatives into 2025 and beyond.

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