After a week of rumors, it’s official: U.S. Soccer has selected Crew Stadium to host the U.S. Men’s National Team’s rival Mexico on Feb. 11.

The match in Columbus is the first of five final round qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. team has enjoyed success at Crew Stadium in the past, winning qualifiers in 2001 and 2005.

More on the story is available here , including this quote from U.S. head coach Bob Bradley:

"We are very excited about returning to Columbus. The national team has enjoyed a great history there, and the team has always appreciated the fantastic support from the fans. We are looking forward to an incredible atmosphere as we continue the difficult task of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa."

This game, expected to be a sell-out, has found a great home in the number one sports town in the U.S . I’m looking forward to Columbus’ opportunity to share our seats and our city with fans from across the country and the globe.

Yesterday I attended a press conference announcing an exciting joint venture. The Columbus Museum of Art , COSI Columbus , the Columbus Metropolitan Library and several other central Ohio libraries have partnered to create Egypt in Columbus .

The Columbus Museum of Art and COSI will both feature Egypt-themed exhibits, and have worked together to create a joint Web site to promote them.  The site includes information about both exhibitions, a suggested reading list from participating local libraries and more.

These groups have also collaborated to create a Passport To Egypt for students ages 6-13. Passport holders can explore each of the exhibitions and visit a participating library to answer questions and receive passport stamps. When students finish their journey through Egypt in Columbus, they can turn in their passport at COSI for the chance to win a prize.

More about the exhibitions:

To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum
Columbus Museum of Art
February 13 – June 7
This exhibit explores ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife. More than 100 objects tell the story of mummification, funeral processions and rituals, the contents of the tomb, the final judgment and the afterlife. Take your picture in an ancient Egyptian costume, play the board game of the Pharoahs, and hunt for hieroglyphics.

Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science
COSI Columbus
May 30 – September 7
An interactive exhibition featuring animal mummies, forensic facial reconstructions and, for the first time ever, a life-size rapid prototype of a human mummy. View artifacts from the daily life and funerary culture of ancient Egypt, decipher hieroglyphs and use the tools and technology of archaeologists. Connect with modern scientists working on projects in Egypt through interactive experiences, video interviews and photographs from the field.

Egypt in Columbus will truly make our city a place of exploration and education, and will offer a great way to end the school year or start your summer.

Crowd at the Crew Rally

Last night I attended a rally for the Columbus Crew at Easton Town Center . It was a great event with all players, coaching staff, Crewzers and Crew Cat in attendance.

There were a few hundred Crew faithful in attendance, from youth soccer teams to The Crew Supporters Union to suits and everything in-between. The event was to celebrate the Crew’s run into the playoffs and to encourage everyone to get tickets for Saturday night’s match up against Kansas City in Crew Stadium. The Crew displayed the MLS Supporters Shield and honored defender Chad Marshall for being named the 2008 Visa Defender of the Year .

Gino Padula and William Hesmer

One thing that I have always loved about professional soccer players in America, and the Crew is no exception, is their approachability. There was no formal autograph line with people ushering you through in turnstile fashion; instead the players and their families mixed and mingled with the crowd. Some stood on stage, some walked the crowd and others sat on the edge and let fans grab a seat next to them to chat for a few. Although professional athletes, these players appreciate their chance in the big league and know that there are many eager to take their spots.

Let’s hope fans and players alike can ride the wave into a victory Saturday night .