Just a heads up, the live stream of the stadium is back up and running! I've missed watching it while I was supposed to be working. https://public.earthcam.net/tJ90CoLmq7TzrY396Yd88LfYWPyQxkt0K3IoDnSqPq4!/downtown_stadium/stadium_external/live

2 hours ago, cbussoccer said:

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

 

 

 

HAd to keep at least a couple sections full of the sh*tty bench seating I see!

1 minute ago, TIm said:

HAd to keep at least a couple sections full of the sh*tty bench seating I see!

 

The entire north end (the Nordecke) is what's known as "safe standing", hence the railing. The benches will be flipped up during the games, but can flipped down for other events when seating is necessary.

1 hour ago, cbussoccer said:

 

The entire north end (the Nordecke) is what's known as "safe standing", hence the railing. The benches will be flipped up during the games, but can flipped down for other events when seating is necessary.

That's cool! I hated going to games at Mapfre and being squeezed onto those benches. Would have 30 people crammed into an area designed for 20 and then forced to stand on the benches to see everything because one person would initiate a tidal wave of people standing on the seats. Wasn't a comfortable experience. 

2 hours ago, cbussoccer said:

 

The entire north end (the Nordecke) is what's known as "safe standing", hence the railing. The benches will be flipped up during the games, but can flipped down for other events when seating is necessary.

Correct, I like this option for true soccer supporters in the Nordecke that like to stand up and get wild.  There's a lot of history to this that is good to keep in the new stadium.  Pretty sure TQL Stadium mimicked this idea in their "Bailey" section.

1 hour ago, TIm said:

That's cool! I hated going to games at Mapfre and being squeezed onto those benches. Would have 30 people crammed into an area designed for 20 and then forced to stand on the benches to see everything because one person would initiate a tidal wave of people standing on the seats. Wasn't a comfortable experience. 

My guess is you haven't been to an OSU game, now that is a stadium where they really cram you in on bleacher seats!!  Love Ohio State and the historic nature/architecture of Ohio Stadium, but they really do know how to squeeze you in like cattle in that place!!

6 minutes ago, Gnoraa said:

Correct, I like this option for true soccer supporters in the Nordecke that like to stand up and get wild.  There's a lot of history to this that is good to keep in the new stadium.  Pretty sure TQL Stadium mimicked this idea in their "Bailey" section.

 

Just about every new soccer stadium around the world incorporates these type of sections. Many older stadiums have also been retrofitted to incorporate them. 

 

Soccer stadiums used to be mostly a collection of various terraces, which were essentially just steps for fans to stand on. Nobody sat, except for small areas of the stadium which actually had seats. Over time, Seats were added to more and more areas of the stadiums, and the standing terrace areas were reserved for the "ultras" or the "hooligans". 

 

Here is what many of the stadiums in England and across Europe looked like until the late 80s and early 90s:

 

 

 

 

In 1989, the Hillsborough Disaster occurred, in which 96 fans were crushed to death in one of the terraces during an FA Cup match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forrest when police lost control of the crowd and too many fans were allowed into a small confined area. As a result, rules were put in place in the UK (and slowly across the rest of Europe and the world) requiring stadiums in the top leagues to be "all-seaters". For decades, stadiums across Europe were remodeled to be all-seaters, and all new stadiums were built to be all-seaters. 

 

In the last decade or so, some countries have relaxed their all-seater rules now that these new safe-standing sections have been designed. Some large profile stadiums in Europe, such as Celtic Park in Glasgow have installed versions of safe-standing areas. In the US, almost every stadium built in the last ~5 years has been equipped with safe-standing. San Jose was the first to use it when they opened their stadium in 2015. Since then, Orlando City, LAFC, Minnesota United, DC United, FC Cincinnati, Austin FC, and Columbus have all built their stadiums with safe-standing areas. Other teams like FC Dallas and the LA Galaxy have renovated sections to include safe-standing areas. 

 

So, that's an incredibly long-winded way of saying this type of section is very common nowadays, and almost expected of any new soccer stadium.

8 minutes ago, cbussoccer said:

 

Just about every new soccer stadium around the world incorporates these type of sections. Many older stadiums have also been retrofitted to incorporate them. 

 

Soccer stadiums used to be mostly a collection of various terraces, which were essentially just steps for fans to stand on. Nobody sat, except for small areas of the stadium which actually had seats. Over time, Seats were added to more and more areas of the stadiums, and the standing terrace areas were reserved for the "ultras" or the "hooligans". 

 

Here is what many of the stadiums in England and across Europe looked like until the late 80s and early 90s:

 

 

 

 

Just seeing this picture makes me want to drunkenly fight a Scotsman, FFS

 

At a friendly, even!

Here Is the ribbon cutting ceremony. 

 

16 minutes ago, WagHills said:

Here Is the ribbon cutting ceremony. 

 

 

So does this mean that "The Soccer Don" won't be attending Saturday's game?

 

The Nordecke was prepared to give him the welcome he deserves(!)

 

7 hours ago, cbussoccer said:

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

 

 

 

 

It ain't spam if we want it(!) 🙃 ⚽

I was thinking and don’t crucify me for saying this but, I often wonder why the Crew hasn’t been as successful as other teams in the MLS as far as attendance. Back in 1996 when Lamar Hunt had any choice of any colors. He chose black and yellow. Did he not know this is a Browns town? Columbus is Brown’s first, Bengals second and Squeelers third. Although the last two could be flipped. I remember going to the first game back in 1996 at Ohio stadium. I remember going to one of the first games at the new stadium in 1999. I like soccer. I’m not a diehard soccer fan but I like soccer. I think I would’ve liked it a whole lot better if the team wasn’t black and yellow. But now the majority owners are the Haslams, The owners of the Cleveland Browns. That makes it a little bit easier for me. But I still can’t wear a black and yellow. I blead orange and brown. And anyone who does bleed orange and brown would never wear black and yellow. We hate Pittsburgh. Just a random thought I thought I’d throw it out there. Otherwise, Go Crew!

3 minutes ago, WagHills said:

I was thinking and don’t crucify me for saying this but, I often wonder why the Crew hasn’t been as successful as other teams in the MLS as far as attendance. Back in 1996 when Lamar Hunt had any choice of any colors. He chose black and yellow. Did he not know this is a Browns town? Columbus is Brown’s first, Bengals second and Squeelers third. Although the last two could be flipped. I remember going to the first game back in 1996 at Ohio stadium. I remember going to one of the first games at the new stadium in 1999. I like soccer. I’m not a diehard soccer fan but I like soccer. I think I would’ve liked it a whole lot better if the team wasn’t black and yellow. But now the majority owners are the Haslams, The owners of the Cleveland Browns. That makes it a little bit easier for me. But I still can’t wear a black and yellow. I blead orange and brown. And anyone who does bleed orange and brown would never wear black and yellow. We hate Pittsburgh. Just a random thought I thought I’d throw it out there. Otherwise, Go Crew!

Personally, I have always thought that attendance lagged because we had a bad stadium in a weird part of town.  When you drive by Crew Stadium on 71, it looks like a high school football stadium rather than a professional stadium.  The only real appeal to the stadium was for people that were die hard fans.  The stadium wasn't a particularly special experience on its own.  I think that will change for the new stadium as casual fans will want to visit a cool stadium in the Arena District just for the experience even if they don't care about the team as much.

4 minutes ago, TH3BUDDHA said:

Personally, I have always thought that attendance lagged because we had a bad stadium in a weird part of town.  When you drive by Crew Stadium on 71, it looks like a high school football stadium rather than a professional stadium.  The only real appeal to the stadium was for people that were die hard fans.  The stadium wasn't a particularly special experience on its own.  I think that will change for the new stadium as casual fans will want to visit a cool stadium in the Arena District just for the experience even if they don't care about the team as much.

I actually also agree with that assessment. That is also part of the equation. I have always said that it’s nothing but an oversized high school stadium. I’m willing to bite the bullet and maybe someday wear some black and yellow as much as it hurts me to do it but I’m super happy with this new stadium downtown. If we don’t sell out every single game then there is a problem with soccer fans in Columbus

20 minutes ago, WagHills said:

I was thinking and don’t crucify me for saying this but, I often wonder why the Crew hasn’t been as successful as other teams in the MLS as far as attendance. Back in 1996 when Lamar Hunt had any choice of any colors. He chose black and yellow. Did he not know this is a Browns town? Columbus is Brown’s first, Bengals second and Squeelers third. Although the last two could be flipped. I remember going to the first game back in 1996 at Ohio stadium. I remember going to one of the first games at the new stadium in 1999. I like soccer. I’m not a diehard soccer fan but I like soccer. I think I would’ve liked it a whole lot better if the team wasn’t black and yellow. But now the majority owners are the Haslams, The owners of the Cleveland Browns. That makes it a little bit easier for me. But I still can’t wear a black and yellow. I blead orange and brown. And anyone who does bleed orange and brown would never wear black and yellow. We hate Pittsburgh. Just a random thought I thought I’d throw it out there. Otherwise, Go Crew!

I haven’t lived in Columbus for a long time and have just been getting into soccer and the crew for the past 3 years. I feel like part of the problem is Ohio Stare football. This town is so focused on football, football and football. It’s weird to me that people can’t like both. I enjoy college football and I enjoy soccer, it isn’t hard. 
 

If you can’t bring yourself to rock a black and yellow jersey, buy one of rainbow tie dye ones they released this year. They also released a blue one, not sure if it’s still for sale. 

12 minutes ago, VintageLife said:

I haven’t lived in Columbus for a long time and have just been getting into soccer and the crew for the past 3 years. I feel like part of the problem is Ohio Stare football. This town is so focused on football, football and football. It’s weird to me that people can’t like both. I enjoy college football and I enjoy soccer, it isn’t hard. 
 

If you can’t bring yourself to rock a black and yellow jersey, buy one of rainbow tie dye ones they released this year. They also released a blue one, not sure if it’s still for sale. 

Hahaha I’ll just wear all black. Yes this is Buckeye nation. Yes this city loves their Buckeye football but believe it or not, This metro of over 2 million people isn’t all about Buckeye football. I’m at Buckeye fan but my first love is the Cleveland Browns. One of my best friends whose from New York is a diehard Bills fan. One of my other best friends is from West Virginia and he couldn’t give two sh*ts about sports. This city is more diverse than people give it credit for. A metro of 2 million people should sell out a soccer stadium. I agree with the posters assessment that the old stadium was in a weird place and cheaply built but in my opinion, Hunt Sports Group didn’t do central Ohio any favors with the colors. Here in Columbus there are two combinations we can’t stand. The team up north’s colors and Pissburgh. I think that’s part of the problem of where they dropped the ball. Only diehard Crew fans love the colors. The rest of us can’t stand it. ETA, I want to be a fan. I want to love the soccer team. I want to go to the games at this new beautiful gorgeous amazing stadium. But I still can’t wear black and yellow. Even though the Browns own them 

Edited June 29, 20213 yr by WagHills

I'm in agreeance that the location was mainly the issue with the Crew, not the colors.  Black & gold is a great combination and I despise the Steelers, FYI (Bengals fan, here).

People in 1999 weren't going to spend big money on an MLS stadium. That meant the land cost too. Downtown stadiums weren't fully sold on the public yet either. Would FedEx Field (2004) be put way out there today? It was a product of its time, especially in the Midwest. 

10 minutes ago, ColDayMan said:

I'm in agreeance that the location was mainly the issue with the Crew, not the colors.  Black & gold is a great combination and I despise the Steelers, FYI (Bengals fan, here).

This is probably the only thing I’m struggling with. I know you’re a Bengals fan ColDayMan! You’re a Dayton and Cincinnati guy. By the way this is Highstreet from back in the day. I think I’m just going to have to bite the bullet and just wear black. No yellow. But I must ask, are you going to root for the Crew or for FCC?

Would lack of advertising/getting the word out be part of it? I grew up in northwest Ohio and had never even heard of the crew. I didn’t even know Columbus had a pro soccer team until I moved next to someone who is a diehard fan. It feels like the past owners didn’t have a great community interaction and that seems to have played a part. I have seen more billboards and ads for the team in the past year than I have in the 5 years I lived here. There are also some people that still have no idea the team is still here, based off Facebook. Hopefully with better advertising and the team building mini pitches, it helps spread the word. 

5 minutes ago, VintageLife said:

Would lack of advertising/getting the word out be part of it? I grew up in northwest Ohio and had never even heard of the crew. I didn’t even know Columbus had a pro soccer team until I moved next to someone who is a diehard fan. It feels like the past owners didn’t have a great community interaction and that seems to have played a part. I have seen more billboards and ads for the team in the past year than I have in the 5 years I lived here. There are also some people that still have no idea the team is still here, based off Facebook. Hopefully with better advertising and the team building mini pitches, it helps spread the word. 

That’s a very interesting question. It’s not like they haven’t been advertised throughout the years here in Central Ohio. That’s why I go back to my very earlier post talking about the colors. I think that’s where they dropped the ball. That’s my own personal opinion. I may be wrong but that’s my personal opinion. Central Ohio is not yellow and black. Only diehard crew fans are. I’d bet if it was any color but those this team would have done a whole lot better. Even if they played in a backyard parking lot it would’ve done better. But that’s my opinion. Crucify me whatever

I love we have a team but in all honesty with these colors they should be Pittsburgh’s team. Maybe that’s what the hunts had in mind.You never know what they were thinking. Oh let’s start in Columbus and move the team to Pittsburgh

Most other cities don't have the "all teams same colors" thing going on like Pittsburgh does. The Crew's yellow isn't as mustard as Pittsburgh. 

 

1 hour ago, WagHills said:

I was thinking and don’t crucify me for saying this but, I often wonder why the Crew hasn’t been as successful as other teams in the MLS as far as attendance. Back in 1996 when Lamar Hunt had any choice of any colors. He chose black and yellow. Did he not know this is a Browns town? Columbus is Brown’s first, Bengals second and Squeelers third. Although the last two could be flipped. I remember going to the first game back in 1996 at Ohio stadium. I remember going to one of the first games at the new stadium in 1999. I like soccer. I’m not a diehard soccer fan but I like soccer. I think I would’ve liked it a whole lot better if the team wasn’t black and yellow. But now the majority owners are the Haslams, The owners of the Cleveland Browns. That makes it a little bit easier for me. But I still can’t wear a black and yellow. I blead orange and brown. And anyone who does bleed orange and brown would never wear black and yellow. We hate Pittsburgh. Just a random thought I thought I’d throw it out there. Otherwise, Go Crew!

 

If you struggle to cheer for a team because a team you like from a different city doesn't like another team from another city who shares similar colors with the team in your own city that you are struggling to root for, you have some incredibly bizarre priorities and I feel sorry for you.

2 hours ago, WagHills said:

This is probably the only thing I’m struggling with. I know you’re a Bengals fan ColDayMan! You’re a Dayton and Cincinnati guy. By the way this is Highstreet from back in the day. I think I’m just going to have to bite the bullet and just wear black. No yellow. But I must ask, are you going to root for the Crew or for FCC?

 

Talk about a blast from the past!  And my name is ColDayMan, not CinDayMan.  It's Crew all-day-every-day.

As a Bengals fan I'll never forgive the Steelers for taking out Carson's knee in 2005.  But to think that attendance suffered because of the colors? C'mon.  I also hate Michigan, but I wear the color blue still. It's all about context. I love the Crew's gold jerseys. I think their original logo was a little hard to get behind, I didn't want to wear a word art version of 3 dudes, but they fixed that (and then broke it and then kind of made the broken one less bad). 

 

Anyway, I expect the same spike in attendance that the Clippers have enjoyed. Although, I think they should keep ticket prices lower for a couple of years to bring in more casual fans to the new stadium or at least offer a bunch of promotions to keep momentum going after the excitedness of the first few games wears off. 

As someone who has lived in Columbus for almost 12 years now, I am totally that "periphery fan" that only followed from a distance, never attended a game, but I'm completely guilty and "victim" of the allure of a downtown urban vibrant stadium and am now attending the opening game and plan to attend several every season now.  Even got a flag to fly in my yard.  My best friend who has never followed, just purchased 4 season tickets at club level and is getting behind the team completely.  Location, quality owners (who are not purposely trying to sabotage a franchise), team success and amazing fans is what is bringing in more new fans already.  The colors of the team have nothing to do with bringing in fans, that's the most bizarre petty excuse not to get behind a team, and I'm a lifelong Browns fan lol

The thing is, I have recently got behind the team. I’m rooting for them. I’m slowly becoming a Crew fan. I just don’t like the colors. But it’s still our team and we’re MLS champions and we’re moving in to one of the sweetest new soccer stadiums in the country. I’m excited. I have no issues just wearing all black when I go because I’m going to a game this year in that stadium for sure.

20 minutes ago, Gnoraa said:

As someone who has lived in Columbus for almost 12 years now, I am totally that "periphery fan" that only followed from a distance, never attended a game, but I'm completely guilty and "victim" of the allure of a downtown urban vibrant stadium and am now attending the opening game and plan to attend several every season now.  Even got a flag to fly in my yard.  My best friend who has never followed, just purchased 4 season tickets at club level and is getting behind the team completely.  Location, quality owners (who are not purposely trying to sabotage a franchise), team success and amazing fans is what is bringing in more new fans already.  The colors of the team have nothing to do with bringing in fans, that's the most bizarre petty excuse not to get behind a team, and I'm a lifelong Browns fan lol

 

You nailed it. The old stadium actually provided negative incentive for non-fans or casual fans to attend games. The parking, or really ingress/egress, was an absolute disaster. There was absolutely nothing to do around the stadium before or after the game, except for tailgating. There's nothing wrong with tailgating, but it's not for everyone. It requires effort and planning ahead. A lot of people would much rather hang out at a bar before and/or after the game like you do for a CBJ or Clippers game. Once you actually got into the stadium, the facilities were inadequate in almost every way. It wasn't anywhere the modern day standard of a professional stadium, or even a mid-sized college stadium, or a minor league baseball stadium. It was as bare bones as you can possibly get, and it was completely lacking in any sort of legitimate luxury/club level accomodations. The stadium was such that, aside from the hardcore fans, most people weren't very keen on attending more than one or two games each year at the absolute most. 

 

The new stadium is a destination. You can actually plan an entire night out around the game similar to going to a CBJ or Clippers game, unlike at the old stadium. The stadium has everything you would expect from a modern stadium, and then some. Its luxury/club level spaces are amazing and, based on what I've seen in pictures and videos, are quite a bit better than every other sports venue in the city. Similar to how Huntington Park brings in people who don't care one bit about baseball, or how Nationwide Arena will bring in people who really don't follow hockey, this stadium is going to bring in tons of casual fans and non-fans. 

 

So yea, attendance was rough because the stadium was lacking in pretty much everything and the FO barely marketed the product, not because the colors are somewhat similar to teams in Pittsburgh that play completely different sports.

 

 

16 hours ago, Gnoraa said:

My guess is you haven't been to an OSU game, now that is a stadium where they really cram you in on bleacher seats!!  Love Ohio State and the historic nature/architecture of Ohio Stadium, but they really do know how to squeeze you in like cattle in that place!!

I have not! Only time I've ever been in the stadium was for a graduation ceremony, but the oppressive heat and my mothers need to sit directly in the sun for some reason were the complaints of the day for me.

 

I wonder what would annoy me more these days. Being crammed onto bench seating again or being forced into super tiny seats that are painful to sit in like they have at Fenway Park.

Edited June 30, 20213 yr by TIm

Also, driving on 71 between 670 and about Cooke is NOT fun.

44 minutes ago, WagHills said:

The thing is, I have recently got behind the team. I’m rooting for them. I’m slowly becoming a Crew fan. I just don’t like the colors. But it’s still our team and we’re MLS champions and we’re moving in to one of the sweetest new soccer stadiums in the country. I’m excited. I have no issues just wearing all black when I go because I’m going to a game this year in that stadium for sure.

 

This is just so weird.

4 hours ago, cbussoccer said:

 

This is just so weird.

Why is it weird?

On the cover of Wednesday Plain Dealer:

 

 

 

Here is the online article:

Columbus Crew set to move into new stadium; Lower.com Field embraces fan experience (photos)

Marc Bona - Cleveland.com - June 20, 2021

 

"It takes a lot to build and sustain a sports venue today. You need a smart design with excellent sightlines within the stadium, varied concessions, specialized suites, the ability and willingness to grow in the immediate area, and a clear marketing plan to withstand down years. Lower.com Field appears to be checking off every one of those requisite points."

I wonder if we will attract fans from NE Ohio. 

That's why they brought in Barrio. So Cleveland folks can come and not be dared to touch a Columbus food institution. /s

More information from the Nordecke on the jackhammer goal celebration first mentioned in a Dispatch article the other day:

 

The bricks seems like a really cool addition, and the celebration is a nice homage to the original logo. 

This video is pretty great.

 

 

I drove by the stadium last night around 10:00 and the lights and video boards were on full blast and active, and I can tell you that from the highway you could definitely see the activity and light through the exterior material.....It looked like a party was going on!!!  

19 minutes ago, Gnoraa said:

I drove by the stadium last night around 10:00 and the lights and video boards were on full blast and active, and I can tell you that from the highway you could definitely see the activity and light through the exterior material.....It looked like a party was going on!!!  

 

The team had an open practice for season ticket holders last night. I'm assuming that's what you saw. I think they might have one more tonight, but I'm not sure.

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

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!

 

I was down at Lower Field for a tour earlier. It really is top notch all the way around! That whole area back there has a chance to really be something special.

 

We got on the subject of that little shack that's still standing right next to the bridge.  I was told that they don't know exactly what's going to happen with that yet because the city doesn't own it.  

I hope something is done with it soon...  Is the eventual plan to tear it down or try to keep it?  

 

 

 

 

 

I posted this article from The Dispatch in the Arena District thread, but it has some good Astor Park related info as well.

 

https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/2021/07/02/arena-district-office-and-residential-development-far-done/7795014002/

 

In the article, Brian Ellis confirms that the lots directly across Nationwide Blvd from the stadium will be redeveloped by NRI, but no specifics are given. 

 

Pizzuti also confirms that the lot to the north of the stadium will be developed by them in the future, and will most likely contain a residential component, but they want to "let the neighborhood mature" before deciding which direction to go.

LAST NIGHT BEFORE OPENING DAY:

 

TODAY:

 

On 6/30/2021 at 5:55 PM, NorthShore647 said:

More information from the Nordecke on the jackhammer goal celebration first mentioned in a Dispatch article the other day:

 

The bricks seems like a really cool addition, and the celebration is a nice homage to the original logo. 

This was a nice touch with the smokestack after the Crew game:

 

'Activation'.....

 

Meh. I prefer my wacky wavy inflatable tube man idea. ;-)

Stadium was very cool, such a huge improvement, but it definitely wasn't done. Some concessions weren't open, the mother's nursing room was coming soon (couldn't add a chair to a small closet in time?), oh and the credit card system crashed at the half. So no beer but they gave away some free food instead. Overall though very impressive. 

 

It does very much feel like it's out alone on an island in the middle of nowhere though. It was definitely a long slog back up Nationwide. Looking forward to future developments in the area. 

 

The sledge hammer thing was very much "meh". Cool idea but I was looking forward to seeing big dents or damage to the opposing teams logo, but no such luck. It made the revolution look unbeatable, jack hammering away with no visible damage. They should use aluminum plates or a softer steel so it seems more like we're beating up the opposing team rather than throwing than like we're futility throwing sticks at an Abrams tank. 

I watched the match via ESPN. Lots of great coverage of the significance of the openning of the stadium. The best part is that main camera from the press box, when panned right, shows the skyline through the southeast opening. Truly a beautiful, well thought out facility. 

Not a big fan of the jackhammer. It’s stupid. I know I said I would never wear black and yellow but I think I might buy new Crew gear with the new logo just to piss the diehard fans off.