Columbus Crew SC has officially gifted us the perfect storybook ending for 2020.
The team’s recent 3-0 MLS Cup win felt like the most fitting way to end the year, as well as a final chapter to our community’s journey of resilience and passion for saving the team. The victory was massive, proving that Columbus is truly unmatched as a premier soccer destination.
As we celebrate the historic win and look forward to the team’s future, here are a few of our favorite major moments throughout the hometown team’s history in Columbus:
May 1999 – MAPFRE Stadium Opens
On May 15, 1999, Major League Soccer’s first soccer-specific stadium opened its doors for a 2-0 Crew victory. Columbus embraced the team’s new home, and the soccer world quickly took notice of the special atmosphere created by fans in MAPFRE Stadium. The venue went on to welcome world-class events such as World Cup Qualifiers, U.S. Open Cup, MLS All-Star Game, MLS Cup and more in the following years.
November 2008 – First MLS Cup Victory
The Crew’s first MLS Cup victory, under the leadership of legendary coach Sigi Schmid, is one that fans will continue to cherish. An all-star lineup led the Crew to its first Supporters’ Shield in 2008, with a 3-1 MLS Cup victory sealing their position atop the league.
October 2018 – Saved the Crew
What started as a grassroots effort, but ultimately became a passionate community movement, culminated in one of the most significant moments in Columbus sports history. The news that the team would stay in the city–after a new ownership group responded to the “Save The Crew” movement’s bold strategy and boisterous passion–set into motion a renewed sense of belonging for the team in Columbus.
December 2020 – Second MLS Cup Victory
There are few things more satisfying for long-time fans than seeing Crew players and coaches hoist the MLS Cup trophy after a rollercoaster few years for the team. The team had been confident about its ability to win it all, with Crew president Tim Bezbatchenko even stating at the start of the postseason, “Why can’t we be great? We’ve been ambitious from the start.” The win felt like a proper closing to the Save The Crew movement, but we know this team is just getting started.
June 2021 – Downtown Stadium Opens
We’re looking into the future with this one, but we know it’s going to be monumental. The Crew will move to a new state-of-the-art Downtown Stadium in 2021, bringing the fan experience to a new level. The 20,000-seat stadium will be in the heart of the city, with surrounding bars, restaurants and event space that will provide the perfect game day experience. The Crew continue to be a leader in the MLS, with the new stadium bringing fans even closer to the pitch and providing fan enhancements like the league’s first supporters’ in-stadium beer garden.
We know the Crew’s remarkable history paves the way for even bigger milestone moments ahead. We couldn’t be prouder of this team, and how it continues to unite Columbus!