Columbus Crew to host Summer of Soccer Bash presented by G&J Pepsi

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew’s “Summer of Soccer” – a showcase of global soccer talent at Lower.com Field – launches with the Summer of Soccer Bash presented by G&J Pepsi on Friday, July 12 from 3-8 p.m. at McFerson Commons, a free event open to the public.

The Summer of Soccer Bash marks the start of an exciting stretch further showcasing Columbus is a Soccer City, highlighted by live music, soccer clinics, engaging activations, local tastes and more. Lower.com Field, the home of the 2023 MLS Cup champions, will welcome elite soccer clubs, players and fans from across the world during a fortnight celebrating the beautiful game, including an open training with Chelsea F.C. and Manchester City F.C. on Friday, Aug. 2 before their match at Ohio Stadium. Tickets to the English Premier League clubs’ open training sessions at Lower.com Field are available starting at only $25.

CREW’S SUMMER OF SOCCER:

• Summer of Soccer Bash presented by G&J Pepsi (July 12, McFerson Commons, 3 p.m.)
• MLS All-Star Concert, with Marshmello and PinkPantheress (July 21, Nationwide Arena, 7:30 p.m.)
• 2024 MLS All-Star Game Week (July 20-24)
• MLS All-Star Skills Challenge (July 23, Lower.com Field, 7:30 p.m.)
• 2024 MLS All-Star Game (July 24, Lower.com Field, 8 p.m.)
• Leagues Cup Showcase: Columbus Crew vs. Aston Villa Football Club (July 27, Lower.com Field, 8 p.m.)
• Manchester City – Chelsea Training (Aug. 2, Lower.com Field, 5:30 p.m.)
• FC Series: Chelsea vs. Manchester City (Aug. 3, Ohio Stadium, 5:30 p.m.)

“We are excited to kick off an incredible stretch of events that highlight Columbus is a Soccer City, our amazing experience at Lower.com Field and top global talent with the Summer of Soccer in Columbus, starting with Friday’s event,” said Haslam Sports Group Chief of Strategy and Development Josh Glessing. “The Summer of Soccer will bring the Columbus community together to celebrate the beautiful game, including through multiple philanthropic initiatives and free events in our city, and build excitement for the world class events taking place at Lower.com Field. Our supporters will have a rare opportunity to witness Manchester City – Chelsea live training, the 2024 MLS All-Star Game and Leagues Cup Showcase against Aston Villa all within a 10-day window.”

Friday’s event will feature live music presented by iHeart Radio, pictures with the 2023 MLS Cup, food, beverages, human foosball, soccer skills challenges, Crew Cat and SC, face paintings, kids games, a Crew Shop pop-up, giveaways, and more.

Columbus Crew 2 players will host a Soccer Field Day on July 12^th in partnership with Scotts and Every Kid Sports, a national nonprofit organization with a mission to help kids from income-restricted families access youth sports. Scotts has entered in a multi-year partnership with Every Kid Sports to contribute at least $150,000 by 2026 to fund youth sports registration fees for approximately 800 kids in areas including Columbus, Phoenix and Philadelphia with the goal to improve access to natural green spaces. Crew 2 players will lead players from Every Kid Sports in a soccer clinic on the natural turf field at McFerson Commons.

Parking:

There are several parking garages near McFerson Commons and parking spots can be reserved at Arena District Reservation Parking.

• Neil Avenue Garage (300 Neil Ave. Columbus, OH 43215)
• Marconi Garage (245 Marconi Blvd. Columbus, OH 43215)
• Front St. Garage (102 N Front St. Columbus, OH 43215)
• McConnell Garage (355 John H McConnell Blvd. Columbus, OH 43215)

The Columbus Crew and Lower.com Field will welcome fans on Friday, Aug. 2 for open training sessions as the English Premier League’s Chelsea FC and Manchester City prepare for their friendly at Ohio Stadium the next day. Tickets to the training session are available at www.columbuscrew.com/tickets.Chelsea and Manchester City are the only clubs to win multiple Premier League titles in the last decade. The Blues are the first club to win all four major UEFA club competitions twice (Champions League, Super Cup, Europa League and Cup Winners’ Cup). This past season, Manchester City claimed its fourth consecutive EPL title and sixth in the past seven campaigns to bring their total to 10 league championships, complemented by seven FA Cup wins.

The Columbus Crew will host Aston Villa Football Club – which qualified for the UEFA Champions League – at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 at Lower.com Field as part of the Leagues Cup Showcase. The Black & Gold will prepare for the 2024 League’s Cup in the international showcase with Aston Villa, which as claimed even League championships and seven FA Cups in its history. Tickets are available at www.columbuscrew.com/tickets.