COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew today released information on several matchday theme nights set to take place during the 2023 Major League Soccer season as the Crew welcomes fans to Lower.com Field in the Club’s 28th season in MLS.
This year’s promotional calendar begins with a Crewsmas celebration for the Black & Gold’s home opener (March 4) and is followed by new and exciting theme nights such as Battle at the Death Star (March 25), Back to the 90s (April 15) and Champion Columbus (June 3), in addition to annual favorites Soccer for All (June 24), Hell is Real (Aug. 20) and many more.
The full 2023 theme night calendar can be found here.
Following the season opener away at the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, Feb. 25, the Black & Gold celebrate the return of Crewsmas – the supporter-driven tradition of the first home match of the year -- during the home opener against D.C. United on Saturday, March 4 at Lower.com Field. The first 10,000 fans on March 4 will receive a winter beanie, presented by Nationwide. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to the Opening Match with additional pre-match festivities and food and beverage discounts to be announced. The Crew’s next home match will be an intergalactic themed Battle at the Death Star against Atlanta United on Saturday, March 25.
April brings Youth Soccer Night against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, April 1; Back to the 90’s Night – featuring a roller rink on the plaza -- against the New England Revolution on Wednesday, April 15; and Military Appreciation Night presented by AEP against Inter Miami CF on Saturday, April 29.
During the Crew’s match against Orlando City SC on Saturday, May 13, the Club will celebrate On Our Sleeves Day in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The Crew community has continued to support the hospital’s On Our Sleeves movement for children’s mental health through fundraising and advocacy efforts.
As the calendar turns to the start of summer, the Black & Gold are set to celebrate with Party by the Pitch against the LA Galaxy (May 17) and Colorado Rapids (May 31). Both of these matches will include post-work happy hour specials pre-match.
The following month, the Crew will introduce Champion Columbus Night against Charlotte FC on Saturday, June 3, in recognition of the Capital City.
The Black & Gold celebrate Soccer For All during the Crew’s match against Nashville SC on Saturday, June 24. First introduced by MLS in 2018 through MLS WORKS, the league’s social responsibility platform, Soccer For All signifies that everyone is welcome to MLS, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status, and emphasizes Major League Soccer's commitment to drive positive social change and end discrimination. During the match, the Crew will celebrate Pride Month and recognize Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, with various elements throughout the stadium that promote inclusion.
The Crew kicks-off July with a bang against the New York Red Bulls on the first of the month with a celebration of Lower.com Field’s second anniversary. Presented by Lower.com, the match will feature a post-match firework show.
The annual “Hell is Real” derby match presented by Tipico against in-state rivals FC Cincinnati will take place on Sunday, Aug. 20. The Club closes the month with College Night, presented by FC Bank, against Toronto FC on Saturday, Aug. 26.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, the Club will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night against Chicago Fire FC. The Crew will then Kick Childhood Cancer with Superhero Night in honor of pediatric cancer patients and survivors against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, Sept. 30, presented by Vertiv.
The regular-season finale would not be complete without Fan Appreciation Day as the Crew hosts CF Montreal on Saturday, October 21 in a celebration of those who support the Black & Gold, presented by EASE Logistics.
The Crew are currently training in Fort Lauderdale through Feb. 18 as the Black & Gold march towards the start of the 2023 MLS season.
Partial plans and single-game tickets for Crew matches at Lower.com Field are on-sale for the general public and are available here.
Soccer fans looking to experience Crew matches have a number of options as Season Ticket Membership for the 2023 season, which are currently on sale, includes benefits such as a subscription to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, exclusive, member-only events, a discount at the Crew Shop, monthly, interest free payment plans, the ability to purchase discounted parking, pre-sale access to all events at Lower.com Field, Historic Crew Stadium and FirstEnergy Stadium, and a dedicated account manager and service representative. Fans interested in purchasing Season Ticket Memberships are encouraged to call 614-447-2739, email seasontickets@columbuscrew.com, or visit www.columbuscrew.com/tickets/memberships to get connected with a Season Ticket Member representative.
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