COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew today announced its Summer of Soccer Tour, a community-driven initiative designed to bring the excitement of the global game directly to neighborhoods and businesses across Central Ohio. Timed to coincide with this summer’s global soccer tournament in North America, the tour will feature a series of free match watch parties and interactive fan experiences that unite supporters while showcasing Columbus as a soccer city.
As part of the initiative, the Club is inviting local bars, restaurants and community centers to apply to become a watch party host location for select tournament matches this summer. Each tour location will be supported by team-provided activations including lead up promotion from Columbus Crew channels, a Crew Cat appearance, a DJ appearanceand live interactive soccer activities. Local businesses can apply here. The submission deadline is Friday, May 1, with site selection and communication to occur from May 8-15.
In addition to the Summer of Soccer Tour, the Black & Gold are hosting a series of Soccer Celebrations that Crew supporters and soccer fans throughout Columbus are invited to gather at engaging local venues to cheer on the USMNT and other elite teams and players while enjoying the beautiful game during the world’s grandest football tournament. Each Soccer Celebration event is free to the public and will feature a lively fan atmosphere with pre-match festivities and opportunities to celebrate the sport during a historic 2026 summer of soccer. Fans interested in attending can learn more here.
Soccer Celebration Schedule
Friday, June 12 – Bridge Park (Dublin, OH)
- Match broadcast: 9 p.m.
- Match: U.S.A v. Paraguay
Friday, June 19 – Columbus Commons (Columbus, OH)
- Match broadcast: 3 p.m.
- Match: U.S.A v. Australia
Thursday, June 25 – Land Grant Brewing Company (Columbus, OH)
- Match broadcast: 10 p.m.
- Match: U.S.A v. Türkiye
Sunday, July 19 – Scotts Miracle-Gro Field (Columbus, OH)
- Match broadcast: 3 p.m.
- Match: Tournament Final
Ahead of this summer’s global tournament, the Columbus Crew and ScottsMiracle-Gro Field will host an international friendly between Ecuador and Guatemala on Sunday, June 7 at 4 p.m. ET as the squads continue their preparations for the sport’s most prestigious competition this summer. In addition to the friendly, Ecuador will train at the OhioHealth Performance Center ahead of this summer’s marquee tournament in North America. Tickets to the match are available for purchase here.
Additionally, the Crew and ScottsMiracle-Gro Field will host the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup, presented by e.l.f., between the Kansas City Current and Gotham FC on Friday, June 26 at 8 p.m. The matchup between two of NWSL’s top clubs for the first trophy of 2026 marks the league’s first game in Columbus since the top-tier women’s soccer league launched in 2013. Tickets to the match are available for purchase here.
Following the MLS break during this summer’s global tournament, the Columbus Crew return to their fortress for Hometown Proud Night, presented by OhioHealth, on Wednesday, July 22 against NYCFC. Supporters are encouraged to help create a sea of gold by participating in the third annual stadium-wide “Gold Out” at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Fans will be treated to an evening of fireworks following the match. The Hell is Real Derby, presented by Tourism Ohio, returns just three days later on Saturday, July 25 as the Black & Gold host rivals FC Cincinnati.
Crew Season Ticket Memberships for 2026 are currently available, highlighted by guaranteed access to all Black & Gold home matches at the best full-season prices; a complimentary Apple TV subscription; exclusive member-only events; a discount at the Crew Shop; presale opportunities for events at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Historic Crew Stadium and Huntington Bank Field; and more. Fans interested in more information on Season Ticket Memberships are encouraged to email seasontickets@columbuscrew.com or visit www.columbuscrew.com/tickets/memberships.
