Columbus Crew Explained

Clubname:Columbus Crew
Upright:0.65
Fullname:Columbus Crew[1]
Nickname:The Crew[2]
The Black and Gold[3]
Stadium:Lower.com Field
Columbus, Ohio
Capacity:20,371[4]
Owntitle:Owners
Owner:Dee and Jimmy Haslam
JW and Whitney Johnson
Pete Edwards
Chrtitle:General Manager
Chairman:Issa Tall
Mgrtitle:Head coach
Manager:Wilfried Nancy
League:Major League Soccer
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Season:2023
Current:2024 Columbus Crew season
Position:Eastern Conference

3rd
Overall: 3rd
Playoffs: Champions

Website:https://www.columbuscrew.com/
American:true

The Columbus Crew is an American professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio. The Crew competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference and began play in 1996 as one of the 10 charter clubs of the league.[5] The team is currently operated by an ownership group led by the Haslam family (also owners of the Cleveland Browns and Pilot Corporation) and former team physician Pete Edwards. The Haslam/Edwards group is the third ownership group in club history.

The franchise was founded in 1994. Its stadium is Lower.com Field, opened in 2021. From 1999 to 2021, the Crew played home games at Historic Crew Stadium (formerly Mapfre Stadium and Columbus Crew Stadium), the first soccer-specific stadium built for an MLS team, with a seating capacity of 19,968 as of the 2015 season. From 1996 to 1998, the Crew played its home games at Ohio Stadium on the campus of Ohio State University.[5] In 2023, the team set club attendance records for both most cumulative attendance and most sellouts.[6]

The Crew have won seven major trophies: the MLS Cup in 2008, 2020 and 2023; the Supporters' Shield in 2004, 2008, and 2009; and the 2002 U.S. Open Cup. The Crew have qualified for the CONCACAF Champions Cup (or its predecessor, the CONCACAF Champions League) five times, reaching the quarter-finals on every occasion. In 2021, the club won their first continental trophy by winning the Campeones Cup, and in 2024, the Crew advanced to their first Champions' Cup final.

History

The beginning (1994–1998)

On June 15, 1994, Major League Soccer announced that Columbus, Ohio, would be home to one of the ten founding members of the new top flight North American professional soccer league. Columbus had promised construction of a soccer-specific stadium and had sold over 12,000 season ticket deposits.[7] The team was tentatively named the Columbus Eclipse in its application to the league, as a solar eclipse had passed over the city after reaching the league's 10,000-deposit minimum.[8] [9] Prior to the initial MLS season, a public contest was created to decide the name for the team. The name "the Crew", was picked out of 2,500 entrants and 650 nickname suggestions. The winning individual linked it to Christopher Columbus, his voyages and the crew that accompanied him on his discoveries. However, by the time it was chosen as the official name of the team, it was detached from the famous explorer and instead pitched as representative of Midwestern hard work.[10]

MLS investor Lamar Hunt, and his son Clark became the owners of both the Columbus Crew and Kansas City Wizards in 1996. The first players for the Crew were South African national team veteran Doctor Khumalo, by assignment, and Brian McBride. McBride was selected as the first overall pick in MLS's first draft in 1996.[11] Former U.S. National Team coach Timo Liekoski would be the team's head coach for its first season.[12] [13]

The Crew played their first game on April 13, 1996, in front of a home crowd of 25,266 in Ohio Stadium against D.C. United and won 4–0.[14] Columbus would struggle, however, winning only 5 of their next 21 games. After the 6–16 start, Tom Fitzgerald replaced head coach Liekoski.[15] The Crew, under Fitzgerald, won 9 of their last 10 games to finish fourth in the Eastern Conference. They went on to lose in the conference playoff semi-finals.[16]

The Black & Gold finished 15–17 in both 1997 and 1998, which put them in third and fourth place, respectively, in the Eastern Conference. Each season ended with losses in the Conference Finals to D.C. United. In 1998, the Crew reached the U.S. Open Cup Final. However, the match was postponed due to a hurricane[17] and was controversially relocated from Virginia Beach to Soldier Field in Chicago, the home of the Chicago Fire.[18] The Fire would go on to win the match 2–1 after extra time. Stern John, in his first of two seasons with Columbus, was the 1998 scoring champion, amassing 26 goals and 5 assists.[13] [16]

A new home (1999–2003)

Columbus's 1999 season began with the opening of Columbus Crew Stadium, the first soccer-specific stadium in the United States. Columbus won their first game in the stadium, 2–0, against New England Revolution in front of a sell-out crowd of 24,741. Columbus would finish in second place at 19–13, but would lose in the conference finals to D.C. United for the third straight season. The 1999 season was the last for Stern John who scored 52 goals in 65 games for the club.[13] The team had the lowest goals against average in the Eastern Conference,[19] and Mark Dougherty became the first goalkeeper in league history to record 50 wins, with a 4–2 win over the MetroStars on August 18, 1999, at Giants Stadium.[20]

The Crew hosted the 2000 MLS All-Star Game, with Mike Clark, Brian McBride, and Dante Washington representing Columbus in the game.[21] The aforementioned Dante Washington was acquired from the Dallas Burn to replace Stern John, but his 13 goals in 2000 was not enough to propel the Crew to the playoffs. For the first time, Columbus failed to reach the postseason. Columbus got off to a slow 1–3–2 start in 2001, which led to the replacement of coach Tom Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, who had coached 161 of the Crew's first 183 MLS matches over parts of six seasons between 1996 and 2001, was replaced by Greg Andrulis. Andrulis would lead the Black & Gold to a 2nd-place finish in 2001 but the team was ousted from the playoffs in the league quarterfinals.[13] [16]

In 2002, Columbus would win the U.S. Open Cup for the first time in team history. They advanced to the finals by beating the Richmond Kickers, MetroStars, and Kansas City Wizards. In the final, they beat LA Galaxy, who had just won the MLS Cup earlier in the week. Freddy García scored the only goal and keeper Jon Busch posted the shutout in Columbus's 1–0 win. It was the first championship in team history.[22] The Crew finished 11–12–5 in the regular season and finished in a tie for first place. They lost in the league semi-finals to New England. Kyle Martino won rookie of the year in 2002, a first for the Crew. By winning the 2002 U.S. Open Cup, Columbus received a bid to play in the 2003 CONCACAF Champions' Cup. They advanced to the second round by beating Árabe Unido 4–2 on aggregate in the first round before losing to Monarcas Morelia, 6–2. McBride would play his final season with Columbus in 2003 before joining Fulham of the Premier League.[13] [16]

Transitions (2004–2006)

With the departure of Brian McBride, Columbus added Robin Fraser and Simon Elliott to the club. These additions proved to be vital as Fraser went on to win the Defender of the Year award in 2004. The Crew set a franchise record for points, 49, by going 12–5–13, thanks in part to an 18-game unbeaten streak (8–0–10) to end the season. Despite winning the Supporters' Shield for best record in the league, the club would be eliminated from the MLS Cup in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. In his last season for the Black & Gold, Jeff Cunningham scored his 62nd goal, which tied him with McBride for the franchise record.[13] [16]

Over both of the next two seasons, Columbus battled injuries to several players and struggled to win many games. Despite winning the MLS Coach of the Year Award in 2004,[23] Andrulis was replaced on an interim basis by Robert Warzycha midway through the 2005 season. After missing playoffs in the 2005 season, the club would hire former L.A. Galaxy and UCLA head coach Sigi Schmid. Schmid had won an MLS Cup and U.S. Open Championship in his six seasons with Galaxy.[24] Warzycha remained on staff under Schmid. In 2006, the Crew went on a 13-game winless streak (0–7–6) between June 10 and August 19. The season ended on a tragic note when team founder and owner Lamar Hunt died on December 14, 2006.[13] [16] [25]

Around this time, Columbus Crew supporters began using the term "Massive" to describe the club and city, at first ironically, but then as a term of pride and endearment of the club that continuously fought the odds.[26]

The Barros Schelotto era (2007–2010)

The 2007 season in Major League Soccer started with news that global icon David Beckham signed with the LA Galaxy.[27] The Crew followed suit by signing Guillermo Barros Schelotto on April 19, 2007.[28] Columbus also signed forward Alejandro Moreno to bolster its attack. Even with these new players, the Crew still missed the playoffs in 2007.[13]

In 2008, the Crew won its first Eastern Conference title, and subsequently, its first MLS Cup. Led by Barros Schelotto, who scored seven goals and had 19 assists and won the MLS Most Valuable Player Award,[29] the team also won its second Supporters' Shield. After going 17–7–6 in the regular season, the Black & Gold won playoff games against Kansas City and Chicago Fire before beating the New York Red Bulls 3–1 in the final. Chad Marshall won MLS Defender of the Year award, and Sigi Schmid won Coach of the Year.[13] [16]

After the 2008 season, Sigi Schmid declined a contract offer from Columbus and became coach of Seattle Sounders FC. The Crew's ownership believed that Schmid had been in contact with the Sounders despite being denied permission to talk to other teams during the season. It was also alleged that he shared confidential information with Seattle after his contract with the Crew had ended.[30] Major League Soccer ruled that no tampering had occurred, but ordered Seattle to financially compensate the Crew.[31] Columbus would then name former player and assistant coach Robert Warzycha head coach. In 2009, Barros Schelotto was rewarded with the honor of becoming the franchise's first Designated Player.[32] The club went 13–7–10 in the regular season, good enough for 49 points and their second consecutive Supporters' Shield. The Crew was eliminated by Real Salt Lake in the two-legged Eastern Conference semi-finals, 4–2 on aggregate. Chad Marshall won his second consecutive MLS Defender of the Year award.[13]

Columbus started the 2010 season in the CONCACAF Champions League. They reached the quarterfinals but lost to Toluca in March. The club finished the season 14–8–8 but lost in the quarterfinals of the MLS Cup playoffs to the Colorado Rapids. The Crew lost 2–1 in the 2010 U.S. Open Cup Final at Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Sounders.[13]

Warzycha's final years (2011–2013)

In 2011, the Crew finished ninth in the league at 13–13–8 and lost in the wild card round of the playoffs to the Colorado Rapids.[33] [34]

In 2012, the club finished sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 15–12–7 record. They would narrowly miss the playoffs.

On September 2, 2013, the Crew parted ways with Head Coach Robert Warzycha after an embarrassing home loss to the Seattle Sounders, combined with a highly frustrated fanbase. Brian Bliss, the Crew's technical director, took over as interim head coach.[35] This effectively ended his stay with the club since 1996, when he joined the club as a player.

The Precourt era (2013–2018)

On July 30, 2013, Anthony Precourt became the second investor-operator in the history of the club.[36] Precourt upgraded portions of Crew Stadium, as well as evolving the team's brand in a way that identified with the city of Columbus, all within his first 15 months with the club.

On November 6, 2013, Precourt announced that Gregg Berhalter would be the club's new head coach.[37] Berhalter also became the first sporting director in club history.

The 2014 season saw Columbus return to the postseason for the first time since 2011.[38] Under Berhalter, the Crew finished the year 14–10–10, good enough for the third seed in the Eastern Conference of the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Crew had two of its players, center back Giancarlo González and left back Waylon Francis, participate in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, representing Costa Rica. González was praised for his performance, earning a spot on ESPN's Best XI of the group stage. He was subsequently transferred out of Columbus for a $5 million fee.[39] [40] Berhalter was nominated for 2014 MLS Head Coach of the Year. Likewise, goalkeeper Steve Clark was nominated for 2014 Goalkeeper of the Year and Michael Parkhurst won the Individual Fair Play Award for the third time.[41]

Off the field, the Black & Gold announced sports industry veteran Andy Loughnane as its new President of Business Operations on August 16, 2014.[42] The team set the all-time attendance record and sellout record for a single season at Crew Stadium.[43] The combination of the club's on-field success and off-field resurgence capped a successful full first year for Precourt and Berhalter.

On October 8, 2014, the Precourt ownership changed the name and logo of the club, changing the name from "Columbus Crew" to "Columbus Crew SC".[44]

The beginning of the 2015 season started in late 2014 with the return of Kei Kamara.[45] Kamara proved to be beneficial as he scored 22 regular season goals and 4 playoff goals. Along with Kamara, Ethan Finlay and Waylon Francis received spots in the 2015 MLS All-Star Game versus English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.[46] On September 26, 2015, Crew SC hosted their largest sellout crowd since 2008 with an announced attendance of 22,719.[47] Crew SC came into the playoffs with a bye in the first round after securing second place in the Eastern Conference. Following the Eastern Conference semi-final and final match-ups, Crew SC played host to the Portland Timbers in the 2015 MLS Cup Final.[48] This was the club's second-ever MLS Cup Final appearance after the 2008 MLS Cup championship. The Crew was upset by the Portland Timbers at home following the 2–1 loss. All three goals were scored in the first half including the lone Crew SC goal scored by Kamara.[49] Kamara was nominated for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award. Kamara was also nominated for and won the MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year Award. Wil Trapp was nominated for the MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award.[50] [51]

The 1,000th goal in club history was scored on August 12, 2017 by Justin Meram.[52]

Proposed relocation to Austin

On October 17, 2017, Precourt announced intentions to relocate the franchise to Austin, Texas, if a downtown stadium could not be secured in Columbus.[53] Following the news, fans and supporters of the club began a campaign and movement known as #SaveTheCrew. Many had been present in the city's council building on behalf of the cause. Later in the month, it was revealed that Precourt had a clause in his purchase of the club that would allow him to relocate the franchise, but only to Austin.[54]

On November 15, 2017, Precourt and MLS commissioner Don Garber met with Columbus mayor Andrew Ginther and civic and business leaders about the Crew's future in Columbus. After the meeting, both sides issued press releases detailing the meeting. Per the delegation from Columbus, Precourt and MLS refused to take the relocation threat off the table.[55] Per Precourt and MLS, Columbus leaders did not present any plan for a downtown stadium.[56] On the issue, the mayor stated it was "obvious that Don Garber nor PSV (Precourt Sports Ventures) had any commitment for the team to stay in Columbus".[57]

In the annual state of the league conference, commissioner Garber addressed more on the potential move. He had stated the difficulties there has been present with the market over the years. Discussing in 2008, when the league began its initiative to end having ownership groups owning multiple franchises in the league, there was no success in finding a local ownership group in the market of Columbus, with an interested group wanting to purchase the team but with a very low value. It was then when the league's executives hired a different company banker and expanded its search regionally where Anthony Precourt was involved. Garber stated that had Precourt not acquired the club, there was a possibility that Columbus would have ceased operations and ultimately folded. As to why the issues were not stated publicly, Don Garber stated that the league is a "private business" and what's been happening has been seen in other major sport leagues in the country.[58]

On March 5, 2018, Ohio attorney general Mike DeWine and Columbus city attorney Zach Klein filed a lawsuit against Precourt, citing a previously untested 1996 state law (the Modell Law) that prevents sports teams that benefited from public facilities or financial assistance from relocating to another city without a six-month notice and attempting to sell the team to a local ownership group.[59] The bill was originally passed after the controversial relocation of the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore.[60]

Haslam era and two MLS Cups (2018–present)

On October 12, 2018, the owner of the Cleveland Browns, Jimmy Haslam, released a statement stating he was in the process of buying the Crew, along with other local groups.[61] MLS later released a statement stating their willingness to keep the Crew in Columbus, and that Precourt will get the rights to start a team in Austin if the deal goes through.[62] As part of the deal, the lawsuit against Precourt was dismissed that day; the Modell Law remains untested as a result.[63]

On January 1, 2019, control of the Crew franchise was officially transferred to the Haslam family and longtime team physician Dr. Pete Edwards, who took full ownership of the club after reaching a deal with Precourt Sports Ventures LLC. The new ownership group also quickly announced that they would be building a new stadium for the Crew in the Arena District of downtown Columbus.[64]

The team then hired Tim Bezbatchenko as president from Toronto FC and Caleb Porter, previously with the Portland Timbers, as their new coach for the 2019 season, with previous head coach Gregg Berhalter having left to take the USMNT head coaching job.[65] [66] The 2019 season was a forgettable one as the Crew dealt with a myriad of injuries throughout the season, including a season ending ACL injury to Federico Higuaín.[67]

Before the start of the 2020 MLS season, the Crew made two major signings, bringing in new designated player Lucas Zelarayán and midfielder Darlington Nagbe. The team started out the season well, winning their group in the MLS is Back Tournament before going out in the round of 16 and finishing in third place in the Eastern conference and fourth place overall. After making a run in the playoffs, the Crew won their second MLS Cup just two years into the Haslam era, defeating the Seattle Sounders 3–0 at Mapfre Stadium on December 12, 2020, in MLS Cup 2020.[68]

Weeks into the 2021 season, the franchise announced they would now be known as Columbus SC, using "Columbus Crew" and "The Crew" in informal instances.[69] The rebrand received strongly negative reception from supporters of the team.[70] [71] A statement by the Nordecke claimed that "neither the Nordecke nor any Crew Supporters Group was involved at any time with the conception, development, or design of the rebrand. The Board was only shown the rebrand in the last few days, and it was presented to us as a completed product with no chance for input." The logo was further criticized as generic and harming the team's identity.[72] This was done despite promises of fan involvement by team president Tim Bezbatchenko, which led to him being labeled as a "traitor".[73] A petition was created on change.org to restore the team's name.[74] Other observers noted that the rebrand was part of a similar trend in MLS teams to emulate European naming conventions,[75] and was compared to the rebranding of Chicago Fire FC two years earlier.[76] [77] On May 17, 2021, in response to the backlash surrounding the rebrand, the franchise announced that "Columbus Crew" would remain as their official name and that the new logo would be modified accordingly. In addition, the "SC" was dropped from the brand, with the team's name being simply the "Columbus Crew" once again.[78] [79]

They recorded their first win at Lower.com Field on July 17, 2021.[80] [81] [82]

Columbus fired Porter after the team failed to qualify for the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs.[83] In December 2022, they hired Wilfried Nancy from CF Montréal as Porter's replacement.[84] In Nancy's first season, Columbus advanced through the playoffs, beating Atlanta United FC, Orlando City SC, and FC Cincinnati in a playoff edition of the Hell Is Real derby to reach MLS Cup 2023, played on December 9 at Lower.com Field.[85] The Crew defeated holders Los Angeles FC by 2–1 to capture the third MLS Cup title in the club's history.

The Columbus Crew played against Tigres UANL in the quarter-finals of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The first leg took place at Lower.com Field and ended in a 1–1 draw. In the second leg in Mexico, Columbus advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Tigres 4–3 in a penalty shoot-out. This result marked the first time an American club eliminated a Mexican club away in the continental tournament.[86] The Crew then defeated Monterrey in both legs of the semifinal, including a historic 3–1 victory away to mark the first MLS team win in Mexico in the tournament's history to advance to their first continental final.

Columbus faced C.F. Pachuca in the final of the 2024 Champions Cup Tournament. This edition introduced a single-game final, replacing the previous home-and-away two-leg series.[87] Pachuca, with a superior record in the tournament, hosted the match at Estadio Hidalgo which is situated at an altitude of 8,000 feet above sea level. The Crew lost 3–0 to Pachuca, with the high altitude and Pachuca's strong performance cited as significant factors in the outcome. It was later revealed that several Columbus players were affected by an illness, with the team doctor suspecting food poisoning. Both the players and the head coach made similar insinuations.[88] [89] [90]

Colors and badge

The official colors of the Crew are black and gold.[91] Columbus's usual primary jersey is predominately bright yellow with black trim and has been nicknamed the "banana kit" or "canary kit" by fans.[92] [93] From 1996 until 1999, the Crew donned black as their primary uniform color, as the league required teams to have a dark uniform and a white uniform.[94] in 2000, the Crew unveiled their first fully yellow jersey, but Columbus had to wait until 2004 to wear the yellow consistently at home, as league rules stated that a club could only wear their "light" jerseys four times at home.

The alternate uniform has historically been black. For the 2012 season, Columbus began shifting more towards a white uniform with yellow and black trim or stripes.[95] Even so, the away uniforms are seldom worn by the Crew due to the strong favor shown to the traditional home uniform; and also due to the fact that the historically black jerseys compound the summer heat in the United States climate. For the 2015 season, the Crew returned to a black jersey for its alternate uniform. During the beginning of the 2016 season, Columbus maintained a black kit, and also unveiled a white kit with yellow, red, and periwinkle trim introduced as being inspired by the city of Columbus flag.[96]

The club badge from 1996 to 2014 was unique amongst MLS teams in that it featured people, containing three silhouetted males wearing construction hats beneath a stylized "Crew" wordmark. The logo was intended to represent a crew of hard-working people, much like the hard-working, blue collar image the city of Columbus cultivates.[97]

Citing a disconnect between what the crest stood for and the 21st-century identity of the city of Columbus, owner Anthony Precourt initiated a rebrand upon assuming ownership in 2013. Precourt said that Columbus was no longer a true blue collar town, and that the industrial/manufacturing motif was no longer representative. In fact, Columbus had grown into a 21st-century city and become much more "dynamic and diverse".[98]

On October 8, 2014, the Crew unveiled a new badge. The new circular-shaped badge features the club's classic black and gold colors, a minimized original crest with "96" overlaid on top, and the black and gold checkerboard pattern predominantly seen on flags waving in the Nordecke.[99] [100] A great deal of symbolism was packed into the new badge. The horizontal stripes are representative of the ten original MLS franchises, and the shield is an homage to the club's original badge with the 96 representing 1996 – the club's first year in competition. The inset "O" in the badge mimics the same shape found in Ohio state flag, a nod to Columbus's role as the state's capital city. Finally, as a significant point of pride for the city of Columbus, "Columbus" was added to the new badge, along with "SC" to further define the brand more accurately as a soccer club.[101] [102]

With new ownership came a rebranding, and a new logo and name change was introduced in 2021, much to the dismay of supporters.[103] [104] On the new logo, the state of Ohio flag forms the overall shape of the shield, while a "C" that represents the Crew primarily, as well as the city Columbus dawns the interior of the badge, and a "96" in the bottom right corner that represents when the club began play as the first club in Major League Soccer.[105]

The club's nickname, the Crew, also evolved from its original meaning as a hard-working construction crew to a new, more relevant one as "a tight-knit group of people who come together to share a passion for our club and the sport of soccer". The nickname, Crew, is now meant to symbolize a unique brand of family and friendship between the club, the fans and the communities who unite to embrace and celebrate the authenticity and heritage of the sport. With the rebrand, the club also identified three brand pillars: original, energetic, and authentically Columbus, in an effort to celebrate its history as a team of firsts – first club in Major League Soccer, first soccer-specific stadium, first major professional championship for Columbus – its youthful, passionate energy, as well as Columbus's young, progressive culture.[106]

Uniform history:

Stadium

See main article: Historic Crew Stadium and Lower.com Field.

On May 15, 1999, the Crew opened Columbus Crew Stadium, the first soccer-specific stadium in Major League Soccer, as the Crew beat the New England Revolution 2–0 before a sold-out crowd of 24,741. It has been the model stadium for the rest of the league, and one of the stadiums used by the United States national team in World Cup qualifying. In 2015, the naming rights for the stadium were purchased by Madrid-based insurance company Mapfre.

Previously, the Columbus Crew played their home games at the 102,000-capacity Ohio Stadium on the campus of the Ohio State University, home of the Ohio State Buckeyes college football team. They ended with a 33–20 record while playing there.

The team has also played U.S. Open Cup games at two other stadiums: two games in 2005 and 2016 at the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, also owned by the Ohio State University and home of the OSU soccer teams; and one in 2014 at the FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field on the campus of the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.[107] [108] [109]

As part of the new ownership proposal for the Crew unveiled in 2018, the club announced plans to build a new stadium in the Arena District of Downtown Columbus. The new stadium would cost $230 million and be located at the center of the Confluence Village neighborhood, a mixed-use development with residential and commercial buildings. It would seat 20,000 spectators and include 30 suites and 1,900 club seats.[110] In 2020, a new authority took ownership of Mapfre Stadium, soon renamed Historic Crew Stadium, and its adjacent city sports park, with the team continuing to control that venue in terms of its use as a training facility. The training facility, the OhioHealth Performance Center, opened in June 2021.[111] The new stadium had its groundbreaking ceremony in 2019 and was completed in mid-2021.[112] On June 15, 2021, the new stadium was named Lower.com Field via a sponsorship deal with Columbus-based online real estate company Lower.com,[113] and the Crew's first game there was on July 3 against the New England Revolution.[114]

Revenue and profitability

Having lost money in 2011, in 2012 the Crew identified three financial goals with the aim of achieving financial stability.[115] First, the team wanted a different jersey sponsor, which it achieved when they reached a deal with Barbasol. Second, the team wanted to sell naming rights to Columbus Crew Stadium, hoping for $15 million over 10 years. Third, the Crew had announced in September 2011 that it aimed to increase season-ticket sales from its current levels (later revealed to be 4,000) to 10,000.[115] [116] By November 2012, Crew season tickets were at 6,000,[116] and by August 2013, the Crew had surpassed 7,000 season ticket holders.[117]

Under Precourt Sports Ventures, Anthony Precourt, and Andy Loughnane, the Crew's goals have shifted from exclusively focusing on season ticket sales to selling out MAPFRE Stadium. In 2014, the club set all-time stadium attendance records for highest overall attendance and most sellouts in one season. Loughnane confirmed that the club was trending to increase its season ticket membership by 1,000 members per year and also stated his intent for the club to assimilate into the corporate community and fan culture, adding that he believes this transformation is happening rapidly.[118] On March 3, 2015, the Crew announced that they had agreed to a multimillion-dollar stadium naming rights partnership with MAPFRE Insurance, a first for the stadium.[119] In 2015, the Crew and EAS Sports Nutrition agreed to a naming rights deal for its training facilities. Merchandise sales grew double digits since the previous year, as did food and beverage sales. It was also announced that the club gained over 1,000 new season ticket members from the previous year.[120]

Sponsorship

The team's first shirt sponsor was Mars' Snickers chocolate bar, which signed a five-year deal worth $6 million that lasted from 1996 to 2000. After the deal ended, Columbus played without a shirt sponsor during the 2001 season. Pepsi then became the team's sponsor from 2002 to 2004. Following a three-year gap with no sponsor, Glidden was announced as the new sponsor, with a three-year deal worth $1 million per year, from 2008 to 2010..[121] [122] [123] In 2012, the Crew announced a new shirt sponsorship deal with Barbasol, a shaving cream brand based in Dublin, Ohio.[124] The deal was worth $900,000 annually, and ran for five years. This was followed by a three-year deal with Acura, which was announced in February 2017 and was the largest annual commercial transaction in the club's history, with a reported value of $1.8 million per year.[125] [126] [127] On February 27, 2020, the Columbus Crew announced a multi-year deal with Nationwide, a Columbus-based insurance company. While the exact terms of the deal were not disclosed, the annual value was reported to be more than $3 million.[128]

PeriodKit manufacturerShirt sponsorSleeve sponsorShorts sponsor
1996–2000AdidasSnickers
2002–2004Pepsi—
2008–2010Glidden—
2012BarbasolU.S. Soccer Development Academy
2013–2016—
2017–2019Acura
2020Nationwide Children's HospitalScottsOhioHealth
2021Nationwide Insurance——
2022–presentTipico

There was no jersey sponsor in 2001, 2005–2007 and 2011.

Club culture

Supporters and Nordecke

Before the 2008 season, the Columbus Crew front office demolished the north stands where the most ardent of Crew supporters stood, in order to build a stage that would provide additional revenue by facilitating concerts and other events. Prior to this, the team's three supporters' groups (Crew Supporters Union, Hudson Street Hooligans, and La Turbina Amarilla) sat apart because of differences between the groups ranging from age to ethnicity. The building of the stage forced the groups to come together into the north corner of the stadium, forming one large block of vocal supporters. The three groups formed the Nordecke, which is German for "north corner", celebrating the city's German heritage. In 2006 a large contingency of fans from the Nordecke began traveling together to support the Crew during their away campaigns. In late 2009/early 2010, the term "NorOnTour" grew popular on social networking, to describe the frequent fan traveling support.[129]

Mascot

Columbus Crew's first mascot was "Crew Cat", who was the franchise's mascot for almost 20 years.[130] Columbus's official mascot is "S.C", the son of "Crew Cat" that was introduced for the 2015 MLS season.[131] As new ownership was employed in the 2019 season, the older "Crew Cat" returned and attends games alongside S.C.

Rivalries

The Crew has a rivalry with the Chicago Fire.[132] Columbus is roughly a six-hour drive away from Chicago. Due to the relatively close proximity of the two cities, it is not uncommon for supporters of both teams to make the trip to support their club in matches between the two. In the 2008 season, Columbus defeated Chicago in the Eastern Conference Championship match. In 1998, Chicago defeated Columbus for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The Crew also plays for two rivalry cups during the regular season. One of the series is with Toronto FC for the Trillium Cup, due to the close proximity of the cities.[132] The Crew also contests FC Dallas for the Lamar Hunt Pioneer Cup. This trophy was created due to Lamar Hunt being the owner of both teams until his death.

As a lower-division club, FC Cincinnati supporters claimed the Crew as a rival, although some Columbus supporters initially did not consider the former USL team a rival.[133] The two sides first met in a 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match in front of 30,000 spectators, the largest non-final crowd for an Open Cup fixture. The match ended in a 1–0 win for FC Cincinnati [134] [135] As Cincinnati moved to the league, the rivalry became solidified in league lore; this derby is known as the Hell is Real Derby, based on a Christian billboard along I-71 between Columbus and Cincinnati.[136] [137]

Broadcasting

In 2016, Crew games aired on TWC Sports Channel (now Spectrum Sports), simulcast on Sinclair Broadcast Group-operated stations in Columbus. The majority of games aired on The CW affiliate WWHO, and selected games also aired on WSYX, WTTE, and WSYX's MyNetworkTV subchannel.[138] [139] Dwight Burgess and Neil Sika served as co-hosts.[140]

In 2019, the team reached a deal with Fox Sports Ohio (now known as Bally Sports Ohio), placing all matches on either it or secondary channel Bally Sports Great Lakes.[141]

On March 1, 2019, the team made an announcement regarding their radio broadcasts. They stated that their English-language radio broadcasts would now be available on 97.1 WBNS-FM, and that Chris Doran would be the dedicated audio broadcaster. Additionally, the team announced that they would also have Spanish-language radio broadcasts, with Juan Valladares as the broadcaster.[142]

On February 21, 2020, the team announced Jordan Angeli replaced Dwight Burgess, becoming the first woman broadcaster in the club's history.[143]

With every MLS game available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV via their rights deal in 2023, Crew games will be broadcast almost exclusively on this service, with exceptions for certain national linear television broadcast partners.[144]

Players and staff

See main article: All-time Columbus Crew roster.

Team management

Notes and References

  1. Columbus Crew to remain team's official name after meeting with Nordecke Supporters Group. Major League Soccer . MLSSoccer.com. May 17, 2021. May 18, 2021.
  2. News: MLSsoccer staff. Columbus Crew respond to a report of a potential club rebrand. MLS Digital. MLSSoccer.com. January 29, 2020. November 2, 2020. March 2, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210302180236/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/29/columbus-crew-sc-respond-reports-potential-club-rebrand. live.
  3. Web site: Hall . Clayton . Crew SC: Black and Gold's return might have trumped even a three-point win . ABC6 . November 13, 2023 . March 3, 2019.
  4. News: Jacob Myers. Columbus Crew's new stadium officially opens ahead of first match Saturday. The Columbus Dispatch. dispatch.com. June 29, 2021. July 7, 2021. July 12, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210712165502/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/2021/06/29/bold-dynamic-innovative-columbus-crews-new-stadium-officially-opens/7796169002/. live.
  5. Web site: History. MLS Digital. ColumbusCrewSC.com. December 14, 2020. November 12, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201112020119/https://www.columbuscrewsc.com/media/history. dead.
  6. Web site: Tonoli . Amanda . December 11, 2023 . Record MLS Cup crowd tops big year for Columbus Crew attendance at Lower.com Field . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231211222019/https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/12/11/lowercom-field-sees-highest-attendance-at-mls-cup.html . December 11, 2023 . December 11, 2023 . www.bizjournals.com.
  7. News: Zeigler. Mark. New league has old woes: Not enough teams; too many seats; not enough money. U-T San Diego. June 16, 1994.
  8. News: Sirk . Steve . September 9, 2015 . Sirk's Note: Columbus awarded first MLS club . Columbus Crew SC . March 9, 2019 . October 24, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201024085545/https://www.columbuscrewsc.com/post/2015/09/09/sirks-note-columbus-awarded-first-mls-club . live .
  9. Web site: Maurer . Pablo . July 1, 2021 . Searching for the lost Columbus Crew: A journey from Jumpman to the Houston Texans for the truth . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231213015239/https://theathletic.com/2682819/2021/07/01/columbus-crew-mls-logo/ . December 13, 2023 . December 13, 2023 . The Athletic . en.
  10. Web site: Boese . Chandler . May 10, 2021 . Why is Columbus' MLS soccer team called the Crew? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231213013416/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2021/05/10/columbus-crew-name-origin-ohio-mls-soccer-team/5020042001/ . December 13, 2023 . December 13, 2023 . The Columbus Dispatch . en-US.
  11. Web site: May 10, 2021 . Columbus Crew timeline: A look back at the club's history . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231213021458/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2021/05/10/columbus-crew-sc-look-history-soccer-club-ohio/5021298001/ . December 13, 2023 . December 13, 2023 . The Columbus Dispatch . en-US.
  12. News: Sports People: Soccer; Liekoski to Columbus. New York Timies. December 6, 1995. February 15, 2017. May 2, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190502051147/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/06/sports/sports-people-soccer-liekoski-to-columbus.html. live.
  13. Web site: 2011 Columbus Crew Media Guide. 14–20. Columbus Crew. November 8, 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120425080107/http://mlsdigitalpr.drupalgardens.com/sites/mlsdigitalpr.drupalgardens.com/files/2011%20Columbus%20Crew%20Media%20Guide.pdf. April 25, 2012.
  14. News: Crew opens with shutout over D.C.. Dayton Daily News. April 14, 1996. November 17, 2011. March 3, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140303210325/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_action=doc&p_docid=0F51AFDB763CBF64&p_docnum=1. live.
  15. News: Fitzgerald fired as coach of MLS Crew. Chicago Tribune. May 18, 2001. November 17, 2011. March 1, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140301012431/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2001-05-18/sports/0105180095_1_columbus-crew-tom-fitzgerald-doctors. live.
  16. Web site: 2011 Columbus Crew Media Guide. 89–93. Columbus Crew. November 8, 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120425080107/http://mlsdigitalpr.drupalgardens.com/sites/mlsdigitalpr.drupalgardens.com/files/2011%20Columbus%20Crew%20Media%20Guide.pdf. April 25, 2012.
  17. News: August 28, 1998 . Fire's quest for a title blown away by Bonnie . 59 . Chicago Tribune . live . December 13, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231213025719/https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-fires-quest-for-a-title/50048330/ . December 13, 2023.
  18. News: Merz . Craig . October 4, 1998 . U.S. Open Cup move irks Rootes . F11 . The Columbus Dispatch .
  19. Book: 2000 Media Guide. The Columbus Crew. 51.
  20. Book: 1999 Post Season Media Guide. Columbus Crew. 6.
  21. Web site: July 29, 2000 . 2000 MLS All-Star Game MLSSoccer.com . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231213031808/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2000-mls-all-star-game-373143 . December 13, 2023 . December 13, 2023 . mlssoccer . en.
  22. News: Crew earn first trophy with Open Cup win. U.S.A. Today. October 25, 2002. August 25, 2017. November 3, 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20021103225112/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/tourneys/2002-10-24-open-cup_x.htm. live.
  23. Web site: Andrulis, Crew Agree To New Contract. December 20, 2004. OurSports Central. November 16, 2011. October 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151017153831/http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3110965&l_id=&t_id=. live.
  24. News: Crew hires head coach. Columbus Business First. October 20, 2005. November 17, 2011. April 2, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402181838/http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2005/10/17/daily27.html?jst=b_ln_hl. live.
  25. News: Lamar Hunt, Chiefs owner and sports legend, dies at 74. Associated Press. November 17, 2011. May 24, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110524191521/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2697040. live.
  26. Web site: Sirk. Steve. November 20, 2012. The Origin of 'Massive'. Columbus Crew SC. November 28, 2020. November 12, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201112025944/https://www.columbuscrewsc.com/post/2012/11/20/origin-massive. live.
  27. News: David Beckham Signs Deal with L.A. Galaxy, Rejects Real Madrid Deal . Fox News Channel . November 17, 2011. dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110204034717/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0%2C2933%2C243045%2C00.html . February 4, 2011 .
  28. Web site: Crew signs Argentine star Barros Schelotto. ESPN Soccernet. November 17, 2011. October 8, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111008095945/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=422878&cc=5901. dead.
  29. News: Crew's Schelotto wins MLS MVP Award. USA Today. November 20, 2008.
  30. Web site: Mitchell . Shawn . December 11, 2008 . Crew: Separation anxiety . dead . https://archive.today/20130119152739/http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2008/12/11/crew11.ART_ART_12-11-08_C1_30C6V0K.html . January 19, 2013 . December 13, 2023 . The Columbus Dispatch.
  31. News: WASHBURN . GARY . December 16, 2008 . Sounders to introduce new coach Schmid . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231213033421/https://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/sounders-to-introduce-new-coach-schmid-1294870.php . December 13, 2023 . December 13, 2023 . Seattle Post-Intelligencer . en.
  32. News: Bell. Jack. In M.L.S., Designated Players Do Not Guarantee Great Expectations. The New York Times. March 17, 2009. February 15, 2017. January 18, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170118225830/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/18/sports/soccer/18soccer.html. live.
  33. Web site: 2011 Regular Season Standings. Major League Soccer. November 17, 2011. February 16, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120216045247/http://www.mlssoccer.com/standings. live.
  34. Web site: 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket. Major League Soccer. November 17, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111215204105/http://cloud.cdn.mlssoccer.com/mlscupbracket.pdf. December 15, 2011. dead.
  35. Web site: Crew parts ways with Head Coach Robert Warzycha | Columbus Crew . Columbus Crew SC . September 2, 2013 . February 13, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150213232535/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2013/09/crew-parts-ways-head-coach-robert-warzycha . live .
  36. Web site: Precourt Sports Ventures acquires Columbus Crew. Columbus Crew. March 31, 2015. February 13, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150213233440/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2013/07/precourt-sports-ventures-acquires-columbus-crew. live.
  37. Web site: Gregg Berhalter. Columbus Crew. March 31, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150515060139/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/greggberhalter. May 15, 2015. dead.
  38. Web site: King . Andrew . 2015-02-27 . The Evolution of Gregg Berhalter: Columbus Crew SC's young Head Coach never stops learning . 2024-04-18 . ColumbusCrew.com . en.
  39. Web site: Giancarlo Gonzalez performing among world's elite at 2014 FIFA World Cup. Columbus Crew. March 31, 2015. February 13, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150213230906/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/brazil/news/2014/07/giancarlo-gonzalez-performing-among-worlds-elite-2014-fifa-world-cup. live.
  40. Web site: King . Andrew . 2018-12-03 . How Gregg Berhalter left a lasting mark on Columbus . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240418045142/https://theathletic.com/690759/2018/12/03/how-gregg-berhalter-left-a-lasting-mark-on-columbus/ . 2024-04-18 . 2024-04-18 . The Athletic . en.
  41. Web site: Crew SC's Michael Parkhurst wins Major League Soccer's Xbox Individual Fair Play Award. Columbus Crew. March 31, 2015. July 9, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150709144420/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2014/11/crew-scs-michael-parkhurst-wins-major-league-soccers-xbox-individual-fair-play-award. live.
  42. Web site: Crew names Andy Loughnane President of Business Operations. Columbus Crew. March 31, 2015. February 13, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150213211052/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2014/08/crew-names-andy-loughnane-president-business-operations. live.
  43. Web site: Crew to set attendance record with Sunday's match . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150923205857/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2014/10/crew-set-attendance-record-sundays-match . September 23, 2015 . March 31, 2015 . Columbus Crew.
  44. Web site: Columbus Crew unveil new logo, brand identity with nods to team's heritage, city, supporters. MLSsoccer.com. August 12, 2017. August 16, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170816140048/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2014/10/08/columbus-crew-unveil-new-logo-brand-identity-nods-teams-heritage-city-supporters. live.
  45. Web site: Soccer Crew: Kamara's signing will add scoring punch for 2015. The Columbus Dispatch. January 13, 2016. January 28, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160128022928/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2014/10/07/1007-crew-signing.html. live.
  46. Web site: 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Game Roster. January 13, 2016. MLS Soccer. January 27, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160127100802/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/07/13/2015-att-mls-all-star-game-roster. live.
  47. Web site: Crew SC hosts largest sellout crowd since 2008. Columbus Crew. November 3, 2015. October 31, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151031152536/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2015/09/mapfre-stadium-hosts-largest-sellout-crowd-2008. live.
  48. Web site: Columbus Crew SC to host Portland Timbers in 2015 MLS Cup on December 6. January 13, 2016. MLS Soccer. January 2, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160102190647/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/11/29/columbus-crew-sc-host-portland-timbers-2015-mls-cup-december-6. live.
  49. Web site: Portland Timbers win 2015 MLS Cup with 2–1 victory over Columbus Crew. The Oregonian. December 7, 2015. January 13, 2016. January 25, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160125104136/http://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/index.ssf/2015/12/portland_timbers_win_mls_cup_w.html. live.
  50. Web site: Kamara, Trapp named finalists for Major League Soccer awards. January 13, 2016. Columbus Crew SC. January 27, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160127042819/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/post/2015/11/03/kamara-trapp-named-finalists-major-league-soccer-awards. live.
  51. Web site: Kamara named MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year presented by Advocare. January 13, 2016. Columbus Crew SC. January 27, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160127020532/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/post/2015/11/05/kamara-named-mls-works-humanitarian-year-presented-advocare. live.
  52. Web site: Sirk . Steve . 2017-08-14 . Sirk's Notebook: The 1,000th Goal in Crew SC History Columbus Crew . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240412184018/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/sirk-s-notebook-1000th-goal-crew-sc-history . 2024-04-12 . 2024-04-12 . ColumbusCrew.com .
  53. Web site: Statement from Precourt Sports Ventures. October 17, 2017. October 18, 2017. October 18, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018191523/https://www.columbuscrewsc.com/post/2017/10/17/statement-precourt-sports-ventures. live.
  54. Web site: Kasich: Crew SC 'hasn't created the spark'. October 30, 2017. ESPN.com. April 4, 2021. November 9, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109033227/https://www.espn.com/soccer/columbus-crew-sc/story/3251067/ohio-gov-john-kasich-says-crew-sc-hasnt-created-the-spark-in-columbus/. live.
  55. Web site: Columbus city leaders' meeting with MLS, Precourt leave sides frustrated. November 15, 2017. November 16, 2017. November 17, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171117064746/http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3272114/columbus-mayors-meeting-with-mls-and-crew-owner-anthony-precourt-leave-sides-frustrated. live.
  56. Web site: Crew SC ownership statement on meeting with Columbus mayor, MLS. November 15, 2017. November 16, 2017. May 12, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190512084125/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/11/15/crew-sc-ownership-statement-meeting-columbus-mayor-mls. live.
  57. Web site: MLS to Austin: NYC meeting fails to bring Crew, Columbus together. November 17, 2017. November 17, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171117065337/http://www.statesman.com/sports/soccer/columbus-officials-crew-owner-find-little-common-ground-meeting/ib3TMzL0cKg05lFGrOpjpM/. live.
  58. Straus . Brian . December 8, 2017 . Garber clarifies MLS's position on Columbus relocation . Sports Illustrated . December 11, 2017 . December 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171210020038/https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/12/08/mls-commissioner-don-garber-columbus-relocation-austin-expansion-tam . live .
  59. News: Schladen . Marty . March 5, 2018 . Ohio, Columbus suing to keep Crew SC from moving to Austin . Columbus Dispatch . March 5, 2018 . March 5, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180305223841/http://www.dispatch.com/news/20180305/ohio-columbus-suing-to-keep-crew-sc-from-moving-to-austin . live .
  60. News: Siegel . Jim . December 6, 2017 . Lawmaker wants to use law passed after Browns move to block Crew from leaving . Columbus Dispatch . March 5, 2018 . March 6, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180306142521/http://www.dispatch.com/news/20171206/lawmaker-wants-to-use-law-passed-after-browns-move-to-block-crew-from-leaving . live .
  61. Statement from Dee and Jimmy Haslam on interest in Columbus Crew. NFL Enterprises, LLC. ClevelandBrowns.com. October 12, 2018. October 13, 2018. October 13, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181013132832/https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/statement-from-dee-and-jimmy-haslam-on-interest-in-columbus-crew. dead.
  62. News: MLSsoccer staff. Cleveland Browns owners emerge as potential buyers of Columbus Crew SC. MLS Digital. MLSSoccer.com. October 12, 2018. October 13, 2018. November 9, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109003242/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/10/12/cleveland-browns-owners-emerge-potential-buyers-columbus-crew-sc. live.
  63. News: Carlisle. Jeff. MLS: Haslam family has 'agreement in principle' to take over Columbus Crew SC. ESPN. December 28, 2018. December 28, 2018.
  64. Web site: 2018-12-28 . Agreement reached for Haslam, Edwards families to operate Columbus Crew SC . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230405212934/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/agreement-reached-haslam-edwards-families-operate-columbus-crew-sc . 2023-04-05 . 2024-04-18 . mlssoccer . en.
  65. Web site: Crew SC officially announce Porter, Bezbatchenko hirings. Pat. Murphy. January 4, 2019. Massive Report. April 4, 2021. October 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211024144134/https://www.massivereport.com/2019/1/4/18168694/columbus-crew-sc-officially-announce-caleb-porter-tim-bezbatchenko. live.
  66. Web site: 2018-12-02 . Columbus Crew SC announces Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter appointed as Head Coach of U.S. Men's National Team . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240418050510/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-sc-announces-sporting-director-and-head-coach-gregg-berhalter . 2024-04-18 . 2024-04-18 . ColumbusCrew.com . en.
  67. Web site: Boehm . Charles . 2019-05-31 . ACL injury sidelines Columbus Crew SC's Federico Higuain for rest of 2019 MLSSoccer.com . 2024-04-18 . mlssoccer . en.
  68. Web site: Columbus Crew beats Seattle Sounders to win a second MLS championship. Alanne Orjoux and Kevin Dotson. cnn.com. Cable News Network. December 13, 2020. December 13, 2020. December 13, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201213074318/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/13/sport/columbus-crew-mls-champions/index.html. live.
  69. Web site: MLS champs Columbus drop 'Crew' from name in rebrand. ESPN. ESPN.com. ESPN. May 10, 2021. May 10, 2021. May 9, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210509235407/https://www.espn.com/soccer/columbus-crew-sc/story/4381935/mls-champs-columbus-to-drop-crew-from-name-in-rebrand-sources. live.
  70. Web site: 'Save the Crew' takes on new meaning as Columbus club delivers rebrand worthy of an F grade. sportingnews.com. May 10, 2021. May 11, 2021. May 10, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210510220743/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/save-the-crew-columbus-club-rebrand/bg2aanhb70w81r322dxd2oof5. live.
  71. Web site: Myers . Jacob . May 12, 2021 . Crew brass was told beforehand that rebranding would not go over well with hardcore fans . subscription . 2024-08-17 . dispatch.com.
  72. Web site: Why Columbus has angered fans after dropping 'Crew' from its name. ESPN. May 11, 2021. May 11, 2021. May 11, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210511092127/https://www.espn.com/soccer/columbus-crew-sc/story/4382301/why-columbus-has-angered-fans-after-dropping-crew-from-its-name. live.
  73. Web site: Columbus Crew supporters' group Nordecke says members weren't involved in rebrand discussions. dispatch.com. May 9, 2021. May 11, 2021. May 11, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210511211908/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/2021/05/09/crew-supporters-say-members-werent-involved-rebrand-discussions/5017049001/. live.
  74. Web site: Angry Columbus Crew fans launch 'Keep the Crew' petition in response to Columbus SC rebrand. cbssports.com. May 11, 2021. May 11, 2021. May 11, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210511023524/https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/angry-columbus-crew-fans-launch-keep-the-crew-petition-in-response-to-columbus-sc-rebrand/. live.
  75. Web site: Crew's Change to Columbus SC the Latest in MLS Branding Conformity. si.com. May 10, 2021. May 11, 2021. May 10, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210510233024/https://www.si.com/soccer/2021/05/10/columbus-sc-crew-team-name-mls-rebrand. live.
  76. Web site: Why this #SaveTheCrew leader is 'disappointed' about team's rebrand, name change to Columbus Soccer Club. bizjournals.com. May 10, 2021. May 11, 2021. May 10, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210510191437/https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2021/05/10/why-one-save-the-crew-leader-is-disappointed.html. live.
  77. Web site: The rebrand is a mistake; 'Columbus SC' has two options to make things right. massivereport.com. May 10, 2021. May 11, 2021. May 10, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210510165708/https://www.massivereport.com/2021/5/10/22427720/the-rebrand-is-a-mistake-columbus-sc-has-two-options-to-make-things-right-mls-2021. live.
  78. Web site: Joint Statement from the Columbus Crew and its Supporters Group, the Nordecke. columbuscrew.com. May 17, 2021. May 17, 2021. May 18, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210518024212/https://www.columbuscrew.com/post/2021/05/17/joint-statement-columbus-crew-and-its-supporters-group-nordecke. live.
  79. News: Myers . Jacob . May 17, 2021 . After fans revolt, it's 'Columbus Crew' once again. The logo's altered, too. . . May 18, 2021 . May 18, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210518030344/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/2021/05/17/columbus-crew-name-changed-back-logo-redone-after-fans-revolt/5137357001/ . live .
  80. Web site: abigail_hintz. July 18, 2021. History repeats in Crew's 2–1 win over New York City FC for first win at Lower.com Field. July 20, 2021. Massive Report. July 19, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210719170018/https://www.massivereport.com/2021/7/18/22581702/history-repeats-in-columbus-crews-2-1-win-over-new-york-city-fc-for-first-win-at-lower-com-field. live.
  81. Web site: Myers. Jacob. Takeaways: Lucas Zelarayan sets Columbus Crew record, Eloy Room plays large in net, Nordecke pays tribute to Matiss Kivlenieks. July 20, 2021. The Columbus Dispatch. en-US. July 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210720163500/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/2021/07/18/takeaways-zelarayan-sets-club-record-crew-win-tribute-matiss-kivlenieks/8003014002/. live.
  82. Web site: Columbus Crew vs. New York City FC – Football Match Report – July 17, 2021 – ESPN. July 20, 2021. ESPN.com. en. July 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210720183319/https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/597851. live.
  83. Web site: Crew fire coach Porter after missing playoffs . Reuters . ESPN.com . en . October 10, 2022 . December 3, 2023.
  84. Web site: Bogert . Tom . Wilfried Nancy departs CF Montréal to become Columbus Crew head coach . MLSSoccer.com . en . December 6, 2022 . December 3, 2023.
  85. Web site: Boehm . Charles . Columbus Crew "trust the process" in epic Hell is Real comeback . MLSSoccer.com . en . December 3, 2023 . December 3, 2023.
  86. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/columbus-crew-make-champions-cup-history-vs-tigres-we-believe-in-ourselves
  87. Web site: Gittins . William . 2024-06-12 . How did Columbus Crew get food poisoning ahead of CONCACAF Champions Cup final? . 2024-08-12 . AS USA . en-us.
  88. Web site: Mac Kay . Brianna . June 2, 2024 . Nearly entire Columbus Crew roster plagued with stomach illness during Champions Cup final . 2024-08-12 . The Columbus Dispatch . en-US.
  89. News: Maurer . Pablo . Crew had suspicions of food poisoning subterfuge at Champions Cup final, source says . subscription . 2024-08-12 . The New York Times . en-US . 0362-4331.
  90. Web site: Arace . Michael . June 4, 2024 . Columbus Crew food poisoning: Was something nefarious at work in Champions Cup loss? . subscription . 2024-08-12 . dispatch.com.
  91. News: MLSsoccer staff. Columbus Crew SC respond to a report of a potential club rebrand. MLS Digital. MLSSoccer.com. January 29, 2020. March 2, 2020. What has never changed in their 25-year span is Crew SC's official colors: black and gold.. March 2, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210302180236/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/29/columbus-crew-sc-respond-reports-potential-club-rebrand. live.
  92. Web site: Sirk . Steve . 2017-02-24 . SIRK'S NOTEBOOK: The Return of the Banana Kit . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240412182925/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/sirks-notebook-return-banana-kit . 2024-04-12 . 2024-04-12 . ColumbusCrew.com .
  93. Web site: February 15, 2023 . Columbus Crew uniforms through the years . 2024-08-17 . The Columbus Dispatch . en-US.
  94. Web site: Sirk . Steve . February 24, 2017 . SIRK'S NOTEBOOK: The Return of the Banana Kit . https://web.archive.org/web/20240412182925/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/sirks-notebook-return-banana-kit . April 12, 2024 . 2024-08-17 . ColumbusCrew.com .
  95. Web site: Nov 28, 2011 . Crew unveils new 2012 adidas jerseys . 2024-08-17 . ColumbusCrew.com . en.
  96. Web site: February 10, 2016 . Crew SC unveils "For Columbus" kit in downtown event at Columbus City Hall . 2024-08-17 . ColumbusCrew.com . en.
  97. Web site: February 3, 2014 . Columbus Crew owner Anthony Precourt says club logo not representative of city's identity . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231213034836/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/columbus-crew-owner-anthony-precourt-says-club-logo-not-representative-citys . December 13, 2023 . December 13, 2023 . mlssoccer . en.
  98. Web site: Precourt. Anthony. Owner-Operator and Chairman, Columbus Crew. October 26, 2014. November 4, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141104115744/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/02/03/columbus-crew-owner-anthony-precourt-says-club-logo-not-representative-citys. live.
  99. News: Borg. Simon. Columbus Crew unveil new logo, brand identity with nods to team's heritage, city, supporters. Major League Soccer. October 11, 2014. December 27, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141227094605/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/10/08/columbus-crew-unveil-new-logo-brand-identity-nods-teams-heritage-locale-fans. dead.
  100. Web site: New Crew. Columbus Crew SC. October 9, 2014. October 26, 2014. February 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150211224321/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/newcrew. live.
  101. Web site: October 9, 2014 . Columbus Crew Soccer Club unveils new badge and brand identity Columbus Crew . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231213015252/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-soccer-club-unveils-new-badge-and-brand-identity . December 13, 2023 . December 13, 2023 . ColumbusCrew.com . en.
  102. Web site: Batterson . Paul . October 22, 2014 . Say goodbye to the Men at Work look and hello to the Crew's new logo . Columbus Free Press . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231213015739/https://columbusfreepress.com/article/say-goodbye-men-work-look-and-hello-crew%E2%80%99s-new-logo . December 13, 2023 . December 13, 2023.
  103. Web site: Myers . Jacob . May 17, 2021 . After fans revolt, it's 'Columbus Crew' once again. The logo's altered, too. . 2024-08-17 . The Columbus Dispatch .
  104. Web site: Arace . Michael . May 11, 2021 . Michael Arace: Who planned this anti-Crew rebranding? Anthony Precourt or Don Garber? . subscription . 2024-08-17 . dispatch.com.
  105. Web site: May 10, 2021 . The Crew reveals updated brand marks . 2024-08-17 . ColumbusCrew.com . en.
  106. Web site: Prindiville . Mike . October 8, 2014 . Columbus Crew unveils new logo, adds 'SC' to name . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231213020759/https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/columbus-crew-unveils-new-logo-adds-sc-to-name . December 13, 2023 . December 13, 2023 . NBC Sports . en-US.
  107. Web site: Kuhn . John . August 4, 2005 . FC Dallas oust nine-man Crew . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20051129191509/http://www.mlsnet.com:80/MLS/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20050804&content_id=38718&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp . November 29, 2005 . December 29, 2023 . mlsnet.com.
  108. Web site: Clarkson . Nick . June 16, 2016 . Four goals lead Crew SC into U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231229022456/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/four-goals-lead-crew-sc-us-open-cup-round-16 . December 29, 2023 . December 29, 2023 . ColumbusCrew.com . en.
  109. Web site: June 18, 2014 . Recap - CLB 2 : 1 IND (ET) . https://web.archive.org/web/20231229021100/https://www.indyeleven.com/news/2014/06/18/recap-clb-2-1-ind-et/ . December 29, 2023 . December 29, 2023 . Indy Eleven . en-US.
  110. News: Bush . Bill . December 6, 2018 . New Crew SC stadium would anchor 'Confluence Village' west of Arena District . The Columbus Dispatch . December 19, 2018 . December 20, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181220231023/https://www.dispatch.com/news/20181206/new-crew-sc-stadium-would-anchor-confluence-village-west-of-arena-district . live .
  111. https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/2021/06/09/columbus-crews-new-training-facility-aligns-clubs-aspirations/7560186002/ Columbus Crew's new training facility, OhioHealth Performance Center, aligns with club's expectations
  112. Web site: Public funding for new Crew stadium now up to $140 million, and land not yet acquired. Bill. Bush. The Columbus Dispatch. February 17, 2020. February 17, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200217143726/https://www.dispatch.com/news/20190618/public-funding-for-new-crew-stadium-now-up-to-140-million-and-land-not-yet-acquired/1. live.
  113. Web site: June 15, 2021 . Introducing Lower.com Field: Columbus Crew announces long-term stadium naming rights partnership with Lower . June 15, 2021 . ColumbusCrew.com . June 15, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210615153915/https://www.columbuscrew.com/post/2021/06/15/introducing-lowercom-field-columbus-crew-announces-long-term-stadium-naming-rights . live .
  114. News: Myers . Jacob . March 24, 2021 . It's a date: new Crew Stadium will open July 3 against New England . The Columbus Dispatch . March 24, 2021 . October 22, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221022165155/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/2021/03/24/new-crew-stadium-scheduled-to-open-july-3-for-crew-vs-revolution/6982023002/ . live .
  115. Web site: The Columbus Dispatch, Crew catching up financially to rest of MLS . September 13, 2012 . August 8, 2013 . October 31, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141031064036/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2012/09/13/scoring-goals.html . dead .
  116. Sports Business Journal, Crew makes strides off the field but remains short of season-ticket sales goal, November 19, 2012, http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2012/11/19/Franchises/Crew.aspx
  117. Columbus Business First, Columbus Crew getting season-ticket boost from U.S.-Mexico packages, August 9, 2013, http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2013/08/columbus-crew-getting-season-ticket.html
  118. Web site: Soccer: Financial stability is a priority for Crew. Adam Jardy. The Columbus Dispatch. March 31, 2015. February 13, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150213230144/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2014/12/21/financial-stability-is-a-priority.html. live.
  119. Web site: Soccer Crew's home has new name: Mapfre Stadium. The Columbus Dispatch. November 26, 2015. April 2, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402222824/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2015/03/04/0303-crew-stadium.html. dead.
  120. Web site: MLS Cup conference finals: A look at four teams' business off the pitch. sportsbusinessdaily.com. January 4, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20160630111235/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/SB-Blogs/On-The-Ground/2015/11/MLSsemis.aspx. June 30, 2016. dead.
  121. Web site: CREW LANDS ON MARS: SNICKERS NAMED OFFICIAL BAR OF MLS . September 13, 2017 . www.sportsbusinessdaily.com . July 23, 1996 . September 13, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170913232025/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1996/07/23/Sponsorships-Advertising-Marketing/CREW-LANDS-ON-MARS-SNICKERS-NAMED-OFFICIAL-BAR-OF-MLS.aspx . live .
  122. Web site: Erickson . Andrew . Crew SC: In team's biggest deal, Acura on board as jersey sponsor . September 13, 2017 . September 13, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170913231328/http://www.dispatch.com/sports/20170224/crew-sc-in-teams-biggest-deal-acura-on-board-as-jersey-sponsor . live .
  123. Web site: Sports Business Journal . August 2, 2022 . www.sportsbusinessjournal.com . en . December 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211227013738/https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily.aspx . live .
  124. Web site: Merz . Craig . February 15, 2012 . Crew proud to join rich sporting tradition of Barbasol . 2024-08-17 . ColumbusCrew.com . en.
  125. Web site: Newpoff . Laura . Columbus Crew sponsors say deals have gotten much pricier . August 2, 2022 . www.bizjournals.com . August 16, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220816141251/https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2017/11/03/columbus-crew-sponsors-say-deals-have-gotten-much.html . live .
  126. Web site: Crew SC partners with Acura in historic sponsorship agreement | Columbus Crew SC . April 4, 2021 . January 15, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210115140454/https://www.columbuscrewsc.com/post/2017/02/24/crew-sc-partners-acura-historic-sponsorship-agreement . live .
  127. Web site: Myers . Jacob . Crew announces jersey sponsorship deal with Nationwide . August 2, 2022 . The Columbus Dispatch . en-US . October 4, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221004225255/https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2020/02/27/crew-announces-jersey-sponsorship-deal/1620909007/ . live .
  128. Web site: mlssoccer . Columbus Crew SC announce new jersey sponsor partnership with Nationwide MLSSoccer.com . August 2, 2022 . mlssoccer . en . August 2, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220802232422/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/columbus-crew-sc-announce-new-jersey-sponsor-partnership-nationwide . live .
  129. News: Nordecke on tour. Columbus Crew SC. Steve Sirk. July 8, 2015. July 9, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150709154848/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/news/2010/08/sirk%E2%80%99s-notebook. live.
  130. Web site: Crew Cat, mascot of the Columbus Crew. The Columbus Dispatch. June 1, 2015. October 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151017153831/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2015/03/17/mascot-madness/crew-cat.html. live.
  131. Web site: S.C., mascot of the Columbus Crew. The Columbus Dispatch. June 1, 2015. June 25, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150625024546/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2015/03/17/mascot-madness/sc.html. live.
  132. SB Nation, Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew – MLS #12 – Three Questions, May 25, 2012, http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2012/5/25/3043711/chicago-fire-vs-columbus-crew-mls-12-three-questions-literally
  133. Web site: Murphy. Pat. Columbus Crew SC see no rivalry in Open Cup match with FC Cincinnati. Massive Report. SB Nation. June 22, 2017. June 13, 2017. August 7, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170807232635/https://www.massivereport.com/2017/6/13/15788048/columbus-crew-sc-see-no-rivalry-in-open-cup-match-with-fc-cincinnati. live.
  134. Web site: King. Andrew. FC Cincinnati eclipse 'wildest dreams' in raucous Open Cup win over Crew SC. Major League Soccer. June 22, 2017. June 14, 2017. August 14, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170814043314/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/06/14/fc-cincinnati-eclipse-wildest-dreams-raucous-open-cup-win-over-crew-sc. live.
  135. Web site: Stejskal. Sam. FC Cincinnati sell over 25,000 tickets for Wednesday's match vs. Crew SC. Major League Soccer. June 22, 2017. June 14, 2017. August 13, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170813220054/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/06/14/fc-cincinnati-sell-over-25000-tickets-wednesdays-match-vs-crew-sc. live.
  136. Web site: Hatch. Charlie. Crew SC: Loss to FC Cincinnati 'frustrating'. The Cincinnati Enquirer. June 22, 2017. June 15, 2017. May 2, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190502051128/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2017/06/15/crew-sc-loss-fc-cincinnati-frustrating/398870001/. live.
  137. Web site: Hatch. Charlie. 'Hell Is Real', and so is FC Cincinnati's threat to Columbus. FourFourTwo. June 22, 2017. June 15, 2017. August 7, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170807192650/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/hell-is-real-derby-fc-cincinnati-threat-columbus-crew-mls-usl. live.
  138. News: Crew: Time Warner Cable becomes TV partner. February 26, 2016. Columbus Dispatch. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304134507/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2014/03/07/time-warner-cable-becomes-tv-partner.html. live.
  139. News: New TV deal makes Crew games more accessible. February 26, 2016. Columbus Dispatch. February 26, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160226202533/http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2016/02/26/0225-crew-tv.html. live.
  140. Web site: Crew SC TV Partnership – Columbus Crew SC . Columbus Crew . February 26, 2016 . February 28, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160228020152/http://www.columbuscrewsc.com/broadcast . live .
  141. Web site: Columbus Crew score Fox Sports local broadcast deal. SportsPro Media. February 28, 2019. March 14, 2019. April 22, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230422125030/https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/columbus-crew-tv-rights-fox-sports/. live.
  142. Web site: Columbus Crew SC announces English Radio Partnership with 97.1 The Fan and the return of Crew SC's Spanish Audio Stream . Columbus Crew . February 21, 2020 . October 24, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201024123037/https://www.columbuscrewsc.com/post/2019/03/01/columbus-crew-sc-announces-english-radio-partnership-971-fan-and-return-crew-scs . live .
  143. Web site: Columbus Crew SC announces 2020 television broadcast schedule and talent team . February 21, 2020 . February 23, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200223185634/https://www.columbuscrewsc.com/post/2020/02/21/schedule-columbus-crew-sc-announces-2020-television-broadcast-schedule-and-talent . live .
  144. Web site: MLS Season Pass is now available worldwide on the Apple TV app Columbus Crew . May 13, 2023 . ColumbusCrew.com . en . May 13, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230513203128/https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/mls-season-pass-is-now-available-worldwide-on-the-apple-tv-app . live .

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