Crew honor Kick Childhood Cancer Month with Superhero Night tomorrow vs. Philadelphia Union

COLUMBUS – As part of MLS WORKS Kick Childhood Cancer campaign, the Columbus Crew will host their honorary match with “Superhero Night,” presented by Vertiv, at Lower.com Field tomorrow night against the Philadelphia Union [7:30 p.m. ET / MLS Season Pass on Apple TV / 97.1 The Fan (English); La Mega 103.1 FM (Spanish)]. In collaboration with NC4K and local community groups, the Club will highlight young superheroes and their families who have bravely fought the disease and share information on childhood cancer awareness. 

To officially kick off the evening, Finn Weaver will serve as the Match Ignitor while celebrating his ninth birthday on Sept. 30. Weaver – joined by his mother, Tiffanie, and father, Ben – received a VIP tour of the OhioHealth Performance Center on Thursday, courtesy of Midfielder Julian Gressel. The passionate Crew fan has been in remission for the past 15 months after being diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at five years old and receiving chemotherapy treatment for multiple years. 

During the visit, Weaver met the entire First Team; was surprised with his own locker, custom jersey, Kick Childhood Cancer captain armband and team-signed soccer ball; enjoyed playing on the Historic Crew Stadium pitch; and concluded the day eating lunch with Gressel. 

Prior to the match, the Black & Gold are wearing pre-match adidas Kick Childhood Cancer tops. Graham Smith – who is currently in remission and in the maintenance phase of treatment after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at four years old – is conducting the match’s ceremonial first kick. The Columbus International Children’s Choir will perform the National Anthem. 

Superhero Night will be fully assembled at The Pub and Chase Plaza during the 96-minute happy hour. Young supporters can help complete a paint-by-numbers mural featuring Gressel that was created by Vertiv and local artist Adam Hernandez. Additionally, fans can receive personalized superhero caricatures and meet some of their favorite masked crusaders.

The first 10,000 supporters entering Lower.com Field will receive a 2023 Crew Superheroes Night pennant, thanks to Vertiv. 

Including Saturday’s match, the Crew have sold out 13 consecutive MLS home games and 14 overall this season, both of which are franchise records.

MLS WORKS – the League’s social responsibility platform – and Continental Tire are teaming together during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with the 10th annual “Kick Childhood Cancer” (KCC) campaign to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research and treatment. Throughout the month of September, MLS, its clubs and players are driving awareness of the initiative through in-stadium activations, league social and digital channels and content on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Match elements include a commemorative edition adidas 2023 MLS WORKS Kick Childhood Cancer Official Match Ball; adidas pre-match tops; gold corner flags, goal nets and captain’s armbands; and gold ribbon jersey patches worn above club crests. 

FALL FLAVORS

As the weather and leaves begin to change, the Crew are offering new fall flavors for supporters to enjoy at Lower.com Field as the regular season comes to a close. 

• S’more Loaded Pretzel (The Pub) – Pretzel topped with mini marshmallows, Nutella and crushed graham crackers. 
• Caramel Apple Sundae (Pitch Side Snacks) – Wedged caramel apples with various ice cream selections 
• Pumpkin Dessert Cup (Market concession stands, River Club, Tipico Sportsbook Club) – Ginger snaps, pumpkin cream cheese mousse and whipped cream finished with a dusting of ginger snaps
• Spiked Pumpkin Cider
• Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (Lower and Upper Craves stands, Donatos NE location, Crew Grill)
• Fall beer selections from Land-Grant Brewing Company
• Hot apple cider, caramel apples, caramel corn, cider donuts and more.