Columbus has been quietly racking up the accolades and it's time we stop keeping it to ourselves. In our series, Behind the Buzz, we’re unveiling the people, places and experiences that make our city worthy and deserving of all the hype. Keep reading and you'll be asking yourself, "Can all of this exist in one city?" Yes, Columbus.
You may have heard that the Columbus is home to the Crew a three-time MLS Cup-winning team including the 2023 season. To provide insight into what makes Columbus a great city for soccer, we’re talking to Ty Phillips, Manager of Fan Culture & Development at the Columbus Crew.
Ty Phillips, Manager of Fan Culture & Development at the Columbus Crew.
What’s something about the Columbus soccer/sports scene that people may find surprising?
How engrained sports is into our culture. Columbus will always champion Columbus and sports is one of the biggest things that brings this city together. It’s hard to find someone who’s not a fan of any of the sports teams and it’s a topic that’s always on the mind. We show up, we’re loud, and we let you know who we are. Our venues are world-class, and our fans make sure that any visit to them is memorable.
Lower.com Field, home of the Columbus Crew in the Arena District of Downtown Columbus.
What makes Columbus a great destination for soccer fans?
We’re a modern city, built in tradition but pushing forward when it comes to experience. Our in-venue atmospheres are considered some of the best in sports and the city is tailor-made to indulge in all things soccer and culture. Our food is underrated, the arts and music scenes are phenomenal, and we have beautiful hotels to house you. Also, our big sports experiences are conveniently in the heart of downtown. All within walking distance.
The Short North Arts District is a short walk away from Lower.com Field.
What experiences (bites, places, POVs) do you recommend for fans attending their first match at Lower.com Field?
In-venue: Hot Chicken Takeover, Bens’s Pretzels, Condado’s and Schmidt’s. Outside of the venue, I’d recommend Chapmans, Sow Plated, and The North Market for food. Drinks? Lawbird, Land-Grant Brewing Company, and a personal favorite, Bottleshop. Fashion? Fera, Homage, and Ransom Supply. Vibes? The Scioto Mile, The Short North Arts District, and Franklinton. I feel that if you stopped at any of these places on a matchday, you’ve made a good choice.
The 2024 MLS All-Star Game held at Lower.com Field in Columbus.
What are some exciting things on the horizon for the Columbus Crew?
We’re currently enjoying our “ Summer of Soccer” and we’ve been thrilled to utilize soccer to invite the world to our great city. Last week we hosted The MLS All-Stars along with Liga MX All-Stars for the MLS All-Star Game. This past Saturday we played Aston Villa of the EPL, and later we’ll also host EPL Champions Manchester City and EPL contenders Chelsea with events at Lower.com Field and Ohio Stadium. In the following week, our club will be participating in Leagues cup, where our club will challenge Liga MX teams alongside MLS teams. All in all, it’s a good time to be a Crew fan and we’re excited to see where the rest of the season takes us.
Columbus Commons is a six-acre park with over 240 programs and events annually.
Other than your Lower.com Field where are your favorite places to experience the sports and events scene in Columbus?
Fados, Pint House and The Columbus Commons.
Here are more places in Columbus to experience the sports scene this summer:
Nationwide Arena
Nationwide Arena is the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets but also holds annual concerts and events. Recent highlights hosted include the 2021 NCAA DI Women's Volleyball Championship. Visit the arena at 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
Huntington Park
Located in the Arena District in downtown Columbus, Huntington Park features amazing skyline views and is home to the Columbus Clippers baseball team (the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians). Recent special events include The Savannah Bananas World Tour and the Celebrity Softball Classic, benefitting Nationwide Children's Hospital. Visit Huntington Park at 330 Huntington Park Ln.
The Schottenstein Center
"The Schott" is where the Ohio State University’s men's basketball, women's basketball, and men's ice hockey teams come to play. The arena also hosts a variety of concerts, family shows and touring productions with the largest seating capacity in the Big Ten Conference, with 19,049 seats. Visit The Schottenstein Center at 555 Borror Dr.
Lou Berliner Sports Park
Lou Berliner Sports Park is the nation’s largest ball diamond complex with 31 permanently fenced, turf-infield baseball and softball diamonds. From March through November, Berliner is filled with thousands of athletes and spectators participating in local, state, and national events. Visit Berliner at 325 Greenlawn Ave.
