COLUMBUS — Columbus Crew today announced that the Club is set to hold several events throughout Columbus as part of Black & Gold Week, a celebration that begins with the unveiling of the Club’s new Gold Standard Kit and culminates with Opening Match at Lower.com Field on Saturday, February 26 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Additional highlights of the week include Community Day, Black & Gold Friday and the March to the Match.
Black & Gold Week kicks off with the launch of the Crew’s Gold Standard Kit, which is set to go on sale at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 19.  An open house will be held for supporters at The Pub at Lower.com Field from 11:30 a.m .- 7:00 p.m. ET, featuring Crew alumni Dante Washington and Frankie Hejduk. The Pub will also have a “Gold Standard” cocktail available at the event. The Crew Shop will be open from 12:30 - 7:00 p.m. ET, with the new kit available for purchase, as well as On Our Sleeves scarves which will be on sale until Friday, February 25.
The Crew’s Season Ticket Member “Rookie Orientation” will take place at Lower.com Field’s River Club beginning at 10am ET on Saturday, February 19. New Crew Season Ticket Members will have the opportunity to meet their designated Service Representatives, pick up their 2022 season gift and become acquainted with the venue and experience in advance of Opening Match. The Black & Gold is set to host additional orientation sessions on Tuesday, February 22. Â
Saturday will see iconic buildings that make up the downtown Columbus skyline light the night Gold to kick off Black & Gold Week. The list of buildings set to light up in Gold include: COSI, the AEP building, the Leveque Tower, Hilton Columbus Downtown, 3rd Street Bridge and the Short North Arches.
On Sunday, February 20, supporters are invited to join the Nordecke, the Crew’s supporters’ group, in making blankets that will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET and is set to take place at the Upper 90 Lounge at Historic Crew Stadium. Tim Hortons will provide donuts and coffee for those in attendance.
2022 Season Ticket Members can visit Lower.com Field on Sunday and Monday, February 21 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET on both days to take a photo with the MLS Cup Philip F. Anschutz Trophy. Those in attendance will be able to enjoy hot chocolate and donuts provided by Tim Hortons.
As part of an effort to increase accessibility to the beautiful game, the Club will announce the location of its newest mini-pitch on Wednesday, February 23 at an event at Northgate Intermediate School at 11:30 a.m. ET. The event, in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Nationwide, Lower.com and Columbus City Schools, will feature remarks from Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko as well as representatives from Columbus City Schools. In addition to announcing the newest mini-pitch, the Crew is also set to install the first of four mini-libraries in the community as part of Cardinal Health’s Get a Kick Out of Reading initiative.
Thursday, February 24 will serve as Community Day, which begins with the Club hosting clap-ins at three different schools: Old Orchard Elementary School, Georgian Heights and Columbus Spanish Immersion Academy. The clap-ins will feature Crew Cat and SC – the Club’s mascots – greeting and cheering on students as they arrive at school from 8:15-9:20 a.m. ET.
Later that day, at 5:00 p.m. ET, the Nordecke will deliver blankets to Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio with the Club delivering pizzas, provided by Donatos, to families at the Ronald McDonald House.
The Crew will celebrate Black & Gold Friday on February 25, with the Club encouraging supporters to don their finest Crew apparel or even just show their allegiance by wearing Black & Gold. That evening, Crew fans and supporters are invited to attend the Black & Gold Bash held at Land Grant Brewing Company from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. ET. Guests will have the opportunity to listen to a live recording of Beers with the Brewers Podcast featuring Columbus Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko, as well as enjoy a live performance by DJ Kyle Haze and other on-site activities.
Black & Gold Week culminates with the Crew’s 2022 MLS Season Opener against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday, February 26 at Lower.com Field. The match is set to kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET and will feature a knit hat giveaway presented by Nationwide.
A community March to the Match is set to take place prior to the event, with supporters encouraged to meet at the Battelle Plaza at 12:00 p.m. ET to march together towards Lower.com Field. Lower.com Field is located in a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), which allows fans to purchase alcoholic beverages to-go, served in a special DORA cup from participating locations, and enjoy it within the DORA boundaries. The DORA is activated three hours before the start of every Crew home match until midnight. For more information on DORA guidelines including boundaries and where to buy DORA beverages, please visit arenadistrict.com/dora.
Fans looking to experience Crew matches have several options. Season Ticket Memberships include benefits such as private, member-only events; a 10 percent 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 can also choose between various packages that offer great benefits and ticket discounts, including Nine-Match Ticket Plans, Five-Match Ticket Plans, and Group Ticket Plans which are on sale now. Fans can additionally purchase single-match tickets, which are now available.
Supporters interested in securing their seat for the 2022 MLS season can call 614-447-2739, visit columbuscrew.com/tickets or email seasontickets@columbuscrew.com to get connected with a Ticket Sales Representative.
