I think the new team song should be Low by Flo Rida.

Apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur, the whole “soccer” club was looking at her. She hit the flo, next thing you know, shorty got low, low, low, low, low, low, low, low! 😬

Edited June 18, 20213 yr by WagHills

On 6/18/2021 at 6:00 PM, WagHills said:

I think the new team song should be Low by Flo Rida.

Apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur, the whole “soccer” club was looking at her. She hit the flo, next thing you know, shorty got low, low, low, low, low, low, low, low! 😬

Or....Garth Brooks greatest hit "Friends in Low Places"

 

You might be onto something here...turn something that hasn't been generally received as great, and turn it into something fun.  

 

"'Cause I got friends in LOWER places where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away"

Edited June 21, 20213 yr by OhioFinest

1 hour ago, OhioFinest said:

Or....Garth Brooks greatest hit "Friends in Low Places"

 

You might be onto something here...turn something that hasn't been generally received as great, and turn it into something fun.  

 

"'Cause I got friends in LOWER places where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away"

That works too lol

The video board at the end of the last game at Historic Crew Stadium

 

Looks like the bridge should be ready for the opener. Can't wait to bike down!

 

Did they take down the construction cam?  I look at it everyday and it appears its no longer available?  Thanks

8 minutes ago, OhioFinest said:

Did they take down the construction cam?  I look at it everyday and it appears its no longer available?  Thanks

 

Yep, it was taken down yesterday I believe. Very sad, but very exciting that we are so close to the stadium opening!

I was reading the BigSoccer thread for the new stadium, and a poster mentioned that they were told during a stadium tour that there are plans to build a hotel at 600 W Spring, which is across the street from the stadium, I believe, owned by NRI. If true, this would be pretty exciting. I'm really hoping the surface lots across Nationwide Blvd from the stadium get developed on at some point. If a hotel truly does get built there, I hope they get some decent height out of it. It would provide some pretty unique views of the city.

 

https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/crew-stadium-2-0-construction-news-and-notes.2106744/page-189#post-39673813

16 minutes ago, cbussoccer said:

I was reading the BigSoccer thread for the new stadium, and a poster mentioned that they were told during a stadium tour that there are plans to build a hotel at 600 W Spring, which is across the street from the stadium, I believe, owned by NRI. If true, this would be pretty exciting. I'm really hoping the surface lots across Nationwide Blvd from the stadium get developed on at some point. If a hotel truly does get built there, I hope they get some decent height out of it. It would provide some pretty unique views of the city.

 

https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/crew-stadium-2-0-construction-news-and-notes.2106744/page-189#post-39673813

If nationwide owns it, I wouldn’t expect anything higher than 5 stories.

2 hours ago, VintageLife said:

If nationwide owns it, I wouldn’t expect anything higher than 5 stories.

 

To be fair, they did give us the North Bank and Parks Edge condos, which are 20 and 12 floors, respectively. But I see what you mean, given more recent construction. I would think a 12-story structure - half parking garage, half hotel - could work well on that plot. Something akin to the Drury Inn, just not so hideous. 

Courtesy of Red Hawk Drone.

 

15 hours ago, cbussoccer said:

I was reading the BigSoccer thread for the new stadium, and a poster mentioned that they were told during a stadium tour that there are plans to build a hotel at 600 W Spring, which is across the street from the stadium, I believe, owned by NRI. If true, this would be pretty exciting. I'm really hoping the surface lots across Nationwide Blvd from the stadium get developed on at some point. If a hotel truly does get built there, I hope they get some decent height out of it. It would provide some pretty unique views of the city.

 

https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/crew-stadium-2-0-construction-news-and-notes.2106744/page-189#post-39673813

That parcel extends all the way from Nationwide to Spring, and is about 1.8 acres. They could definitely fit quite a bit into that area-it is about the size of two downtown quarter blocks. Being next to that electric plant(why can't they build a wall around most of that?)I would think they would want some height(as in hotel on top of parking)to get people above that. Assuming this is just not some random rumor and all.  If this is true, I hope they go at least 12 floors.  And this parcel is only about 1/3rd of the land available south of the stadium between Nationwide and Spring. So. Much. Potential!

 

*an apartment/condo tower or a hybrid hotel/condo would work well too! Throw in some retail, a bar and restaurant or two along Nationwide, etc. Hey we can dream, right? lol. They could even build it using Crew colors-although they would need to be subtle with the yellow-don't want another William Beaver House!

4 minutes ago, Toddguy said:

That parcel extends all the way from Nationwide to Spring, and is about 1.8 acres. They could definitely fit quite a bit into that area-it is about the size of two downtown quarter blocks. Being next to that electric plant(why can't they build a wall around most of that?)I would think they would want some height(as in hotel on top of parking)to get people above that. Assuming this is just not some random rumor and all.  If this is true, I hope they go at least 12 floors.  And this parcel is only about 1/3rd of the land available south of the stadium between Nationwide and Spring. So. Much. Potential!

 

*an apartment/condo tower or a hybrid hotel/condo would work well too! Throw in some retail, a bar and restaurant or two along Nationwide, etc. Hey we can dream, right? lol. They could even build it using Crew colors-although they would need to be subtle with the yellow-don't want another William Beaver House!

 

Apparently the building on that lot was built in 1920, and the larger building next to it was built in 1936. That's kind of surprising based on their appearance, but something to consider when thinking about how those lots could be redeveloped to enhance the Astor Park area. 

17 hours ago, cbussoccer said:

I was reading the BigSoccer thread for the new stadium, and a poster mentioned that they were told during a stadium tour that there are plans to build a hotel at 600 W Spring, which is across the street from the stadium, I believe, owned by NRI. If true, this would be pretty exciting. I'm really hoping the surface lots across Nationwide Blvd from the stadium get developed on at some point. If a hotel truly does get built there, I hope they get some decent height out of it. It would provide some pretty unique views of the city.

 

https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/crew-stadium-2-0-construction-news-and-notes.2106744/page-189#post-39673813

There just shouldn't be any weird surface parking lots like that in the Arena District/Downtown on prime real estate.

On 6/22/2021 at 1:48 PM, NorthShore647 said:

Looks like the bridge should be ready for the opener. Can't wait to bike down!

 

Been looking forward to this bridge for like 5 years now, and I'm so excited! It's going to make my bike commute (to a large insurance company) so much nicer.

19 minutes ago, TIm said:

There just shouldn't be any weird surface parking lots like that in the Arena District/Downtown on prime real estate.

x1000....with the stadium so close to being finished, i for one am surprised that there hasn't been any news about the next phases of development, or any new master plans that are being developed.  Seems like now would be a great time to announce a new master plan and layout of the future of the AD.  Keep the buzz going....

Here are some more that were posted to BigSoccer.

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, OhioFinest said:

x1000....with the stadium so close to being finished, i for one am surprised that there hasn't been any news about the next phases of development, or any new master plans that are being developed.  Seems like now would be a great time to announce a new master plan and layout of the future of the AD.  Keep the buzz going....

They have the office building, the two apartment buildings and the parking garage already planned. I would guess as soon as the stadium is finished and they don’t need the staging area anymore, they will start on the office building and the garage/first apartment. I would also guess any future development plans will wait, until they see what the demand is for the current, already proposed, apartments. 

46 minutes ago, VintageLife said:

They have the office building, the two apartment buildings and the parking garage already planned. I would guess as soon as the stadium is finished and they don’t need the staging area anymore, they will start on the office building and the garage/first apartment. I would also guess any future development plans will wait, until they see what the demand is for the current, already proposed, apartments. 

I really hope they get right to it with the next phase of the development. Keep people excited for tall the improvements in the area.

58 minutes ago, TIm said:

I really hope they get right to it with the next phase of the development. Keep people excited for tall the improvements in the area.

Freudian slip (hoping for tall developments, also!)?

2 hours ago, cbussoccer said:

 

 

That is one of the better views I've seen so far of all three stadia lined up along Nationwide Boulevard.

Do those planned Astor Park apartments and offices have ground floor retail space?

 

I'm an out of towner but have always enjoyed going to CBJ games in the Arena District with all the bars around there pre game and its a perfect spot for the Crew Stadium. I had that thought the very first time I went to Mapfre and felt the location detracted from things a bit.

 

Will definitely combine a trip or two with CBJ and Crew games on the same weekend. Always stay in the same Airbnb spot in the Short North just before Downtown. Great to see the clustering of these things in close proximity. People often describe sports stadiums as a money pit but if they are strategically situated they can create year round business and energy for the areas they are based in. Also these places aren't just used on days there's something on the field. Browns stadium is used 150 days a year IIRC. Lambeau Field is in use every single day except Christmas! 

23 minutes ago, snakebite said:

Do those planned Astor Park apartments and offices have ground floor retail space?

 

I'm an out of towner but have always enjoyed going to CBJ games in the Arena District with all the bars around there pre game and its a perfect spot for the Crew Stadium. I had that thought the very first time I went to Mapfre and felt the location detracted from things a bit.

 

Will definitely combine a trip or two with CBJ and Crew games on the same weekend. Always stay in the same Airbnb spot in the Short North just before Downtown. Great to see the clustering of these things in close proximity. People often describe sports stadiums as a money pit but if they are strategically situated they can create year round business and energy for the areas they are based in. Also these places aren't just used on days there's something on the field. Browns stadium is used 150 days a year IIRC. Lambeau Field is in use every single day except Christmas! 

Yes, these will include ground floor spaces. I am not sure which buildings or how much space, but it will have some. 

This picture is simply the most eye opening when it comes to the possibility of the final phase of the AD.  Just think about the possibilities!!!  The stadium is like an island in a sea of dirt....prime real estate.  I for one think that the remaining buildout of the AD has been completely undervalued.  There is SOOOOO much room for development.  Like i said a few posts up, now would be a great time to announce any current and future plans.  This area could simply be incredible 5 years from now.  Cant wait!!!

 

Just look at all that potential.  Blank canvas....

 

Edited June 25, 20213 yr by OhioFinest

There really is a ton of potential left in the AD. If we could do something about the railroad triangle, I think it would really unleash that potential. That's a big if, but one can hope. 

 

Even without doing getting rid of the triangle, there are still a good number of surface lots and 1-2 story buildings that are ripe for development or redevelopment. I think once the first phase of Astor Park gets up and running, we'll start to see the rest of pieces begin to fall in place to fill in the gap between Astor Park and Neil Ave.

Why would a monopoly like AEP, pay to sponsor a soccer stadium? Must be how their executives secure good season tickets without it looking like a bribe.

Lower.com is such a dumb name for a stadium. How much did they pay for the naming rights? No one wants to be lower... Everyone wants to be higher.

What's next? "CoverMyMeds Arena"?

Edited June 25, 20213 yr by David

18 minutes ago, David said:

Why would a monopoly like AEP, pay to sponsor a soccer stadium? Must be how their executives secure good season tickets without it looking like a bribe.

 

In Ohio you can chose your electric provider. They do not have a monopoly. They also aren't sponsoring the stadium, they are simply an in-stadium sponsor, similar to sponsorships they have at other sporting venues around Columbus.

 

23 minutes ago, David said:

Lower.com is such a dumb name for a stadium. How much did they pay for the naming rights? No one wants to be lower... Everyone wants to be higher.

 

Apparently you didn't read any other post in this thread. 

 

23 minutes ago, David said:

What's next? "CoverMyMeds Arena"?

 

If they offer up enough money to someone, yea there would be a CoverMyMeds Arena. What's wrong with that? There's a "Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse" in Cleveland. There's a "Fiserv Forum" in Milwaukee. There's a "FTX Arena" in Miami. There's an "Xcel Energy Center" in Saint Paul. There's a "Lumen Field" in Seattle. There's an "NRG Stadium" in Houston. There's a "SoFi Stadium" in LA. There's a "Guaranteed Rate Field" in Chicago. There's a "Children's Mercy Park" in Kansas City. There's a "DRV PNK Stadium" in Miami. There's a "Q2 Stadium" in Austin. There's a "TQL Stadium" in Cincinnati. There are plenty of ridiculous sounding stadium names in the world of sports, because often times there are lesser known companies willing to shell out big bucks to garner more name recognition. That's exactly what Lower is doing and that's what many of these other stadium sponsors are doing. This is nothing new.

They can't all be Great American™ Ballpark

20 hours ago, CMHOhio said:

Freudian slip (hoping for tall developments, also!)?

Well no point in changing it now! I like not better this way now that you've pointed it out.

1 hour ago, cbussoccer said:

 

In Ohio you can chose your electric provider. They do not have a monopoly. They also aren't sponsoring the stadium, they are simply an in-stadium sponsor, similar to sponsorships they have at other sporting venues around Columbus.

 

 

Apparently you didn't read any other post in this thread. 

 

 

If they offer up enough money to someone, yea there would be a CoverMyMeds Arena. What's wrong with that? There's a "Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse" in Cleveland. There's a "Fiserv Forum" in Milwaukee. There's a "FTX Arena" in Miami. There's an "Xcel Energy Center" in Saint Paul. There's a "Lumen Field" in Seattle. There's an "NRG Stadium" in Houston. There's a "SoFi Stadium" in LA. There's a "Guaranteed Rate Field" in Chicago. There's a "Children's Mercy Park" in Kansas City. There's a "DRV PNK Stadium" in Miami. There's a "Q2 Stadium" in Austin. There's a "TQL Stadium" in Cincinnati. There are plenty of ridiculous sounding stadium names in the world of sports, because often times there are lesser known companies willing to shell out big bucks to garner more name recognition. That's exactly what Lower is doing and that's what many of these other stadium sponsors are doing. This is nothing new.

If anything, having a corporate named stadium is the norm now here in the US. All of the US stadiums that don't have corporate naming sponsors and super old like Fenway Park and mostly seem to be baseball fields. The name is absolutely the least important part about a stadium.

3 hours ago, OhioFinest said:

This picture is simply the most eye opening when it comes to the possibility of the final phase of the AD.  Just think about the possibilities!!!  The stadium is like an island in a sea of dirt....prime real estate.  I for one think that the remaining buildout of the AD has been completely undervalued.  There is SOOOOO much room for development.  Like i said a few posts up, now would be a great time to announce any current and future plans.  This area could simply be incredible 5 years from now.  Cant wait!!!

 

Just look at all that potential.  Blank canvas....

 

There's no plans yet for those lots? Are they going to be using them for parking in the mean time?

I was thinking about buying tickets for the third but ticket prices for that day are insane. 

Edited June 25, 20213 yr by David

I encourage folks new to go back a couple pages. The recent questions can be found there. It's all been accounted for without rehashing it. 

 

 

Sorry. The sass is real for me today. 

Edited June 25, 20213 yr by DTCL11

On 6/24/2021 at 10:36 AM, cbussoccer said:

Here are some more that were posted to BigSoccer.

 

 

 

 

 

I like how the stadium looks like it is built out of 'stealth' materials, like those bombers and warships and all. It looks like it could just lift off and fly outta there at any time. I like how it seems to be innocuous at night in that pic, with only the glow visible at the top and a few other areas.  The focus is inward, on the crowd and the game, not obnoxiously glaring out narcissistically screaming "look at me".  If they need to bring in special lighting or install it for special occasions, great. But I like the subtlety at night.

 

And it is literally surrounded on all sides by land which will be/can be developed! A whole new section of the downtown. So glad the Casino is out in Westland hell.

14 minutes ago, Toddguy said:

And it is literally surrounded on all sides by land which will be/can be developed! A whole new section of the downtown. So glad the Casino is out in Westland hell.

 

I'm completely agree about the stadium location and am glad the stadium is here and not the casino but this also does make me wish the Casino was adjacent/nearby. I just think that a Casino, the stadiums, and other venues would round out one of the top entertainment districts around. If anything, toss it in the devils trap (railroad triangle) or along Spring Street but there is a natural relationship between the two that could be more symbiotic than what we have now. I think the advent of sports betting could increase that.  [Sim city vision: distinctive casino in the triangle with distinctive hotel(s) and shops etc. Similar I think to the 'high end district' that was tossed out but include the casino in the mix.  Parking garages with residential above along a redesigned 'gateway Blvd' on Vine that support all the Arena District has too offer along a feeder road anyway] 

 

Generally I'm indifferent about the existence of casinos but if we have One, I'd rather have a more successful casino that has a proper hotel and theater etc and adds to the number of people in and around the core than one in the boonies that has yet to truly be a catalyst for anything. Additionally, the increase in traffic could mean an increase of tax dollars the more successful it is. But thats a long discussion for another day that in the end, doesn't mean much because of the way it was all set in stone years ago. 

 

I mean the whole area from Arena to the Confluence to East Frankinton and the Peninsula has so much potential for a cohesive master plan. 

1 hour ago, Toddguy said:

So glad the Casino is out in Westland hell.

 

Is this sarcasm or do you generally not like casinos and are glad the people who live in/nearby "Westland hell" have to deal with the casino?

2 hours ago, DarkandStormy said:

 

Is this sarcasm or do you generally not like casinos and are glad the people who live in/nearby "Westland hell" have to deal with the casino?

I am not a fan of casinos(gambling in general is a racket)*. I grew up west of Westland Mall and the area of the westside between Wilson and 70 has gone to hell IMO, unfortunately. There are not very many people very close to the casino anyway. it is cut off by the railroad to the southeast, and is surrounded by non-residential uses to the north and west, along with the freeway. The only relatively close areas are Havenwood. which is sort of a slum at this point as it has been since the late 80's at least, and the small subdivision of Broadlawn-which is just northeast of it but really has no connection to it. Nobody living anywhere remotely near it has to 'deal' with it as the entire area is hostile to pedestrians and very few people who are going there are sticking around to explore the area-they are right back in their vehicles and gone.  

 

At least there is a new building, some landscaping, some potential for something more, instead of the dead auto plant that sat there empty.

 

*If I ever went to Vegas, it would not be for the gambling, but all of the stuff there to draw them in. All kinds of fun and vices to engage in without losing a sh*tload of money at a casino.  I would be fine watching others lose their money though.

 

And lets let this discussion die as it does not relate to the stadium in any way other than it's location out to Westland allowed the perfect site for the stadium to come to fruition.

Edited June 25, 20213 yr by Toddguy

Everything is gearing up for the opening of the new downtown stadium this week.  The stadium was open today for the public and there was a 5K run outside that went through the Arena District:

 

https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/more-than-1000-runners-and-crew-fans-kick-off-black-and-gold-week-with-5k-race

 

And they're having a watch party inside Lower.com Field tonight for the game at Austin:

 

Schedule of events leading up to the first game on Saturday:

First Look: New Crew Stadium – Lower.com Field

 

The countdown is on until the Columbus Crew take the field in their brand new stadium. The first game at Lower.com Field, 550 W. Nationwide Blvd., will see the Crew take the pitch versus New England on Saturday, July 3.

 

More below:

https://www.columbusunderground.com/first-look-new-crew-stadium-lower-com-field-sp1

 

1 hour ago, ColDayMan said:

First Look: New Crew Stadium – Lower.com Field

 

The countdown is on until the Columbus Crew take the field in their brand new stadium. The first game at Lower.com Field, 550 W. Nationwide Blvd., will see the Crew take the pitch versus New England on Saturday, July 3.

 

More below:

https://www.columbusunderground.com/first-look-new-crew-stadium-lower-com-field-sp1

 

Are they going to have the games playing on that outdoor screen near the front plaza? That would be pretty damn cool.

2 minutes ago, TIm said:

Are they going to have the games playing on that outdoor screen near the front plaza? That would be pretty damn cool.

Yea, it would be a perfect way to add street activity during the match for people walking around the DORA.

I believe they had a watch party last night for the match against ATX.  So i would assume so. Thats why they built the bar too right?  My recollection was that, the bar was going to be open, even on non-match nights?  Somebody please correct me if i am wrong though. 

Edited June 28, 20213 yr by OhioFinest

On 6/25/2021 at 11:30 AM, Toddguy said:

I like how the stadium looks like it is built out of 'stealth' materials, like those bombers and warships and all. It looks like it could just lift off and fly outta there at any time. I like how it seems to be innocuous at night in that pic, with only the glow visible at the top and a few other areas.  The focus is inward, on the crowd and the game, not obnoxiously glaring out narcissistically screaming "look at me".  If they need to bring in special lighting or install it for special occasions, great. But I like the subtlety at night.

 

And it is literally surrounded on all sides by land which will be/can be developed! A whole new section of the downtown. So glad the Casino is out in Westland hell.

 

I really love the "stealth" design as well. The stadium has been so well executed and really does look amazing inside and out. Has anyone been able to see the stadium lighted at night? I'm still trying to get a handle on whether light comes through the exterior panels. If so, I really do think that would be a beautiful touch to an already gorgeous facility.

 

I'm somewhat torn on the casino discussion. On the one side, they really don't seem to do that much as far as adding to the overall neighborhood. They don't seem to substantially increase foot traffic nor provide spillover to other establishments. Plus the more undesirable elements of a casino could be exacerbated, such as issues with addiction and attracting low income brackets to dump money there. But then again, there is no doubt that a casino does become an advertising point and something that people, particularly out-of-towners, could be attracted to. Also, the Arena District has become so much more, with 3 stadia, a major concert venue, park land, etc., that a casino would only add to the critical mass of the area and make it a true 24/7 365 entertainment district.

Does anybody know if they are going to rearrange the river bed so that water flows beneath all of the bridge?  Looks a bit off to me.  

 

 

Few more pics...

 

 

This place is an absolute GEM folks...The walk up to the stadium looks freaking amazing!!!

 

 

 

Lastly,  it looks like the smoke stack on the old electric building has been painted Black

 

Edited June 28, 20213 yr by OhioFinest

20 minutes ago, OhioFinest said:

Does anybody know if they are going to rearrange the river bed so that water flows beneath all of the bridge?  Looks a bit off to me.  

 

 

That looks like temporary infill that was done to aid in the construction of the bridge. Once it's done, I'd expect that it would be removed.

😍😍😍😍😍😍

 

 

Look at how steep those stands are for the Nordecke!

Edited June 29, 20213 yr by cbussoccer
.

This is an amazing stadium. I will admit, the seating turned out much better than i ever imagined.  It has grown on me to the point that i LOVE it!!!  What a palace!

 

 

I'm just gonna keep spamming this thread with stadium pics haha

 

 

 

36 minutes ago, cbussoccer said:

I'm just gonna keep spamming this thread with stadium pics haha

 

 

If that's not the purpose of this thread, then I don't know what is.

I'm so pumped I have been invited to attend at club level seats with my friends this Saturday for the opening inaugural match!!!!!

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