The biggest names in women’s soccer will descend on Columbus this week for The NWSL Challenge Cup; a single-match competition between the 2025 NWSL Champions, Gotham FC and the 2025 NWSL Shield winners, Kansas City Current.
Columbus hosting The Challenge Cup is another step forward in the mission of IgniteHER Columbus, a citywide movement to position Columbus as the nation’s capital for women's and girls’ sports. The Challenge Cup comes shortly after the April announcement that Columbus was named as an expansion city for a new NWSL team coming in 2028.
Whether you’re planning to attend or looking forward to streaming the game on Prime Video, here are our picks for the top things to do in Columbus in honor of The Challenge Cup.
The arch outside of McFerson Commons in Columbus' Arena District. Source: Experience Columbus.
Head to the NWSL Fan Zone presented by Nationwide
McFerson Commons will be the host of the NWSL Fan Zone, a pre-match celebration packed with live entertainment and interactive experiences. Head to the Arena District from 3:00 – 6:30 pm for:
- NWSL Find Your Match Kiosk
- YETI Tailgate, featuring a mechanical bull and lawn games
- Ally player meet and greet: Kaleigh Kurtz, Sam Staab, Jordyn Bloomer
- Nationwide Kick to Win Challenge
- Small-sided field
- Facepainting, sign-making
- Food & beverage for purchase
Visit the Soccer-Themed Telephone Booth at Easton
Each season, a vintage-inspired telephone booth at Easton gets an artistic makeover, courtesy of Grace K Design, serving as the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram photo. This season, fans will delight in the collage of soccer balls and red, white and blue flowers decorating the outside of the booth.
Watch the World Cup at a Local Soccer Bar
Columbus is home to several soccer bars, perfect for any fan. Don’t miss any of the World Cup action at these locations:
View the full list and don’t forget to Eat Around the World (Cup) at these spots for great international cuisine in Columbus.
Shop Woman-Owned Businesses
One of the most sustainable ways to support women in Columbus is by shopping from women-owned businesses. Here are some of our favorites located in downtown Columbus:
- Bottom’s Up Coffee: a coffee shop known for its Rainy Day Coffee, a cotton candy + coffee combo that's so Instagram worthy.
- Big Fun Columbus: a vintage toy shop located in the Short North Arts District.
- Penn & Beech Candle Co.: a DIY candle-making experience where you can customize your own scent.
- Rowe Boutique: an independently-owned fashion boutique in the Short North Arts District.
- Red Giraffe Designs: a jewelry company offering custom designs.
See our full list here.
Looking for more ways to enjoy Columbus? Visit our summer landing page for can’t-miss events, places to paddle and the insider’s guide to the best things to do in the 614 this season.
