Columbus Crew Stadium as Community Hub
Columbus Crew Stadium, opened in 2021, is highlighted as a model for blending professional excellence with community engagement. The venue’s downtown location and event programming spark local pride and repeat attendance, highlighting that physical place, community roots, and digital connection work in concert for sustainable fan engagement.
Here's an expansion on the Columbus Crew Stadium as a community hub: The stadium, officially named Lower.com Field, cost approximately $314 million and was financed through a public-private partnership. The Haslam and Johnson families, who own the Crew, contributed a significant portion, while the City of Columbus and Franklin County also provided funding. Lower.com Field replaced Historic Crew Stadium, which was the first soccer-specific stadium in Major League Soccer, opening in 1999. The old stadium is now the site of the Crew's training facility and a community sports park. The new stadium boasts a seating capacity of 20,371 and includes 30 suites and 1,900 club seats. A key design element is the 360-degree concourse, intended to enhance the fan experience and provide better views of the surrounding downtown area. Beyond Crew matches, Lower.com Field hosts concerts, festivals, and community events, driving economic activity in the Arena District. The stadium's design incorporates spaces for community gatherings and programming, solidifying its role as a year-round destination.
