The best players in MLS and Liga MX come to Lower.com Field for MLS All-Star Week to kick off the Summer of Soccer in our city. We've got you covered with players to watch on both teams, Skills Challenge 101 and our new fan guide. First up, a quick rundown of the biggest events on the schedule.
Schedule
Saturday, July 20
🎉 MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration
⏰ 4:30 - 9:30 p.m.
📍 McFerson Commons
➡️ More info
Sunday, July 21
🎉 MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration
⏰ 4:30 - 9:30 p.m.
📍 McFerson Commons
➡️ More info
🎶 MLS All-Star Concert - Marshmello and Pink Pantheress
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
📍 Nationwide Arena
➡️ Tickets
Tuesday, July 23
⚽️ MLS NEXT All-Star Game
⏰ 11:30 a.m.
📍 Historic Crew Stadium
➡️ Info
⚽️ Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Game
⏰ 3:30 p.m.
📍 Historic Crew Stadium
➡️ Info
⚽️ MLS All-Star Skills Challenge
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Lower.com Field
➡️ Tickets
Wednesday, July 24
⚽️ MLS All-Star Game
⏰ 8 p.m.
📍 Lower.com Field
➡️ Tickets
Players to Watch from Liga MX
André-Pierre Gignac (Tigres UANL)
A seasoned veteran of global football's grandest stages, including the World Cup and UEFA Euro, this French striker has also etched his name among Liga MX's all-time scoring elite.
Luis Malagón (Club América)
Malagón, crowned ESPN's top Liga MX player for 2024-25, was the hero of Club América's 14th championship, delivering crucial saves in last year's title-clinching match.
Players to Watch from MLS
Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles Football Club)
2023 MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga is primed for a starring role against Liga MX.
Luis Suárez (Inter Miami CF)
Suárez, a global football icon since 2010 and former FC Barcelona goal machine, joins the ranks of Inter Miami All-Star debutants.
Skills Challenge 101
Tuesday night, the Skills Challenge is an opportunity to see what some of the world's best players can do with the ball at their feet, or in the air.
Shooting Challenge
For the first Skills Challenge event, players demonstrate their precision and power as they aim for targets of varying difficulty. Each hit earns points, with some targets worth more than others. The team with the most points after one minute claims victory.
Touch Challenge
Two players will each pass five air-borne balls to a designated shooter. The shooter is required to control the ball with one touch, then kick the ball out the air into one of the holes in an apparatus. Each hole has a different point value based on size and distance.
Cross and Volley Challenge
Two passers whip in crosses from the flanks towards the penalty area. A designated shooter, facing off against a goalkeeper from the opposing league, attempts to find the back of the net. Fans get the opportunity to see scissor kicks, bicycle kicks, and one-timers.
Passing Challenge
The Passing Challenge is a three-round battle of chipping precision. Each player has four targets to hit on their side of the field first: a basket-like target, followed by two open-hole targets, and finally a shared center target in the middle.
Crossbar Challenge
Players take turns launching shots from the edge of the penalty area, aiming to hit the crossbar. The first team to hit the crossbar five times gets to move back 40 yards and attempt shots from that distance. Whoever hits the crossbar from the far distance first wins the Crossbar Challenge.
Additional Events
Though the All-Star Game isn't until Wednesday, July 24, the party starts this weekend with the Soccer Celebration on July 20-21 at McFerson Commons. Head here to learn more about that, a concert at Nationwide Arena, plus the MLS Next Pro and Special Olympics All-Star Games at Historic Crew Stadium.
Fan Experience Hub
We launched a new hub for fans at columbussports.org/fans. Whether you're in town just for the game or live here, check it out. You can discover things to do pre- or post-game, find a parking spot, pick a restaurant and see other upcoming sports events on the schedule.