With gatherings in Columbus on pause during COVID-19, it can be difficult for sports fans to fill the void left by cancelled events. If you’re anything like us, you miss cheering for the Blue Jackets, Crew SC, Clippers and Buckeyes and are feeling a little lost without an outlet for that fandom.
Fortunately, the professional sports organizations in Columbus are giving the community ways to stay involved while social distancing and staying home during this tough time. With the opportunities provided by each team, it’s clear that Columbus is truly a collaborative city!
Here are a few ways you can keep up with Columbus sports during COVID-19:
Stay in Shape with Crew SC Home Workouts
On March 24, Columbus Crew SC unveiled an at-home workout series that brings MLS training right into your living room. Each workout is led by members of the Crew SC Strength and Conditioning staff and features bodyweight exercises that can be done without equipment. Follow along with the video series and workouts posted here, and tune in for new workouts in the coming weeks!
Support the CBJ Foundation with Weekly Online Auctions
The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation is keeping passionate CBJ fans in the game with weekly online auctions to raise money for local community partners during COVID-19. Auction items include team merchandise and memorabilia, and money raised will go to a different local organization each week, from Columbus Recreation and Parks to Children’s Hunger Alliance. Get more information here.
Get a Baseball Fix with Columbus Clippers Flashbacks
If you’re mourning the postponement of Columbus Clippers Opening Day on April 9, look no further than the team’s social media for your daily dose of baseball. The Clippers are sharing their favorite moments from the 2019 Governors’ Cup championship season throughout the coming days, and there’s plenty of big moments to celebrate! You can follow along on the team’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook or with the hashtag #ClipShowFlashbackBaseballFix.
Celebrate Successes with the Buckeyes
A little nostalgia goes a long way during times like these, and the Buckeyes understand that better than anyone. Ohio State Athletics has launched the Celebrating our Successes series, where fans can scroll through the accomplishments of Buckeye student-athletes during the 2019-20 season. Whether you need your fix of Ohio State Football or want to read more about teams that had their seasons cut short, there are successes for everyone here. Ohio State has been sharing the tidbits daily on their social media, too.
Get Family Involved with Brutus Coloring Book Pages
If one of the things you miss most about sports is sharing the experience with family, look no further than the Brutus Buckeye Coloring Book created by Ohio State. Printable coloring pages feature Brutus over the decades and will provide your young ones (or yourself, we don’t judge!) with an Ohio State history lesson while getting the family together for a fun social distancing activity. Download the entire collection here.
Join the Sports Commission for Virtual Sports Reports
To help ease the sadness without our teams, we've decided to bring them to your screen! The Virtual Sports Report will air Thursdays at 11 a.m. with a new local team or sport joining us via Zoom each week to talk about their updates and operations during COVID-19. If you're joining us live, we invite you to participate in the Q&A at the end of each segment. You can view the full schedule of Virtual Sports Reports, register and learn more here.
You can find more information about the effect of COVID-19 on Columbus sporting events here. To stay up to date on ways to support local business and community partners during this crisis, check out the Experience Columbus blog and running list of open businesses with modified hours.