COLUMBUS – Plans for the Columbus Crew SC’s new downtown stadium include Major League Soccer’s first beer garden and a public plaza that will host concerts and other events.
Renderings of the Crew’s 20,000-seat stadium, planned for the Arena District, show a spacious plaza and four grandstands, each with its own attractions and seating plans.
“We see our new home as becoming an integral part of Columbus’ downtown. Because of this, we are building a modern facility that is rooted in the culture created by our supporters in order to provide an experience that champions soccer in Columbus,” president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said.
Construction on the stadium at 650 W. Nationwide Boulevard is expected to start on October 29 and be substantially completed by July 2021.
The stadium will include a steep seating bowl team officials say is designed to put fans close to the action while a wrap-around roof provides protection over each of the four grandstands.
The stadium’s north stand will consist of a supporter section with two patio decks and the Nordecke Beer Garden, the first beer garden in MLS.
The south stand will include a lower and upper bowl with general seating and a bar overlooking Nationwide Boulevard, and a 5,000 square feet soccer pub, which will be open to the public on non-game days.
The stadium’s west stand features a suite level with cantilevered “ledge seats” and the east stand will include field suites and an upper stand with general admission seating featuring an elevated concourse with views of downtown.
Beyond the stadium, the project also includes a 40,000 square feet outdoor plaza which will be open to the public.
Fans interested in joining the waiting list for seating in the stadium can pay a $50 on the team’s website.
Current or new full season ticket holders who maintain an active account status for the 2020 Crew SC season will have priority in seat selection for the new stadium, team officials said.