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Visitors across the nation come to Columbus and see that the locals are, quite literally, sports nuts. In fact, Columbus was named the number one sports town in the U.S.* by sports fan research firm Scarborough Sports Marketing, showing that two-thirds (66%) of adults in Columbus are avid sports fans. (*Oct. 2008)
More than 101,000 scarlet and gray-clad fans pack into Ohio Stadium for each home game of the Ohio State Buckeyes. A ritual for Ohio State fans -- even if they don't have tickets to the game itself -- they flock to the parking lots early to tailgate and enjoy the festive atmosphere. (Don't even think about planning a wedding on the same day as a home game. Guests will opt to go to the game instead.)
Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew has developed a loyal following, too. The north end of Crew Stadium is designated for any fan who wants to stand, sing and generally to join in the rowdy enthusiastic atmosphere at Crew home games.
Some were hesitant when the NHL came to town. Was there room in the hearts of Central Ohioans for hockey? Absolutely! The Columbus Blue Jackets have played before sellout crowds of 18,136 in 106-of-164 games at Nationwide Arena.
When the NCAA brought the first and second rounds of the men's basketball championship to Columbus in 2004, the fans went wild. And the NCAA took notice. Karl Benson, a member of the NCAA Men's Basketball Committee said, "Nationwide Arena is a great facility and what has been done around the arena to create an atmosphere is tremendous. People were telling me it reminded them of a mini Final Four."
Volunteers are easy to secure. The NCAA Men's College Cup, Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Weekend, NCAA Frozen Four, NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments and the FIFA Women's World Cup are just some of the events supported by volunteers.
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Show we are the Best Fans in the Land:
Integrity
Respect
Pride
Sportsmanship
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