Columbus Crew SC
Columbus Crew (MLS)
The Columbus Crew are an American professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. The team began play in 1996 as one of the 10 charter clubs of the league. The Crew are currently operated by an ownership group led by the Haslam family and former team physician Pete Edwards. The franchise was founded in 1994. Its stadium is ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, opened in 2021. From 1999 to 2021, the Crew played home games at Historic Crew Stadium. From 1996 to 1998, the Crew played its home games at Ohio Stadium. In 2023, the team set club attendance records for both most cumulative attendance and most sellouts.
- Founded
- 1994
- League
- Major League Soccer (MLS)
- Home Arena
- ScottsMiracle-Gro Field
- First Season
- 1996
- Team Colors
- Black and Gold
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
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 six times, reaching the quarter-finals on five occasions. As of the established canon, the Crew have not won a continental trophy.
In Their Own Story
The presence of the Columbus Blue Jackets is documented alongside the Columbus Crew (MLS) as part of the city's major league professional sports teams. The source does not provide specific details regarding game dates, player names, or historical moments for the hockey team beyond this classification. Consequently, the narrative focus remains on their status as a recognized entity within the city's roster of professional organizations, standing alongside other significant cultural institutions like the Columbus Museum of Art and COSI.
Reader's Guide
The Crew's first game was on April 13, 1996, at Ohio Stadium against D.C. United, winning 4–0. The team was originally tentatively named the Columbus Eclipse. The name 'the Crew' was chosen from a public contest, initially linked to Christopher Columbus but later re-emphasized to represent construction workers. The first players were Doctor Khumalo and Brian McBride. The Crew won the U.S. Open Cup in 2002, their first championship. Notable players include Stern John, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and Brian McBride.
Did You Know?
- The Crew's stadium, Historic Crew Stadium, was the first soccer-specific stadium built for an MLS team.
- The Crew won the Supporters' Shield in 2004 with a franchise-record 49 points.
- The Crew's first continental trophy was the Campeones Cup in 2021.
- The team's original proposed name was the Columbus Eclipse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Columbus Crew SC?
They are the city's Major League Soccer franchise and one of the oldest teams in the league. Alongside the Blue Jackets, they represent professional sports pride in Central Ohio.
Where does the Crew play their home games?
The team currently plays at Lower.com Field in downtown Columbus after previously residing at Mapfre Stadium. This distinguishes them from the Blue Jackets who utilize Nationwide Arena for ice hockey.
What is the history of the Columbus Crew?
Originally founded in 1994 as an MLS charter member, the club was revived in 2007 following a hiatus. They have maintained a continuous presence in professional soccer since that return.
How does the Crew relate to the Blue Jackets?
Both teams share ownership ties through the city's sports landscape and contribute to Columbus's status as a major metro market. Fans often support both franchises despite them competing in different leagues.
Why is the Crew important to local culture?
They bring Major League Soccer to the region, offering a distinct athletic experience compared to winter hockey seasons. Their success adds to the diverse sports identity that defines modern Columbus.
More in Stadium & Culture
Elsewhere in the Columbus Blue Jackets universe
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