Crew hopes to make it back-to-back titles
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Columbus Crew players raise the championship trophy after the MLS Cup Final at Lower.com Field last December. Photo: Zach Sanderson/ISI Photos/Getty Images
The Crew's exceptionally short off-season — fueled by last year's deep playoff run, resulting in another MLS championship — ends this weekend with the 2024 home opener.
Why it matters: This is shaping up to be a particularly exciting season for Columbus, as team interest is at an all-time high, and hosting duties are on deck for the league's All-Star Game in July.
Driving the news: The season's first home match (known locally as "Crewsmas") will kick off at 2pm Saturday against Atlanta United.
- A pregame ceremony is planned to bestow players their championship rings and unveil a 2023 title sign.
What's new: The Crew recently released new jerseys for the upcoming season:
Yes, but: The jerseys reminded some fans of a familiar comic strip character …
Also, Lower.com Field will debut several private group areas and concession options, including barbecue, cheesesteaks and footlong chili dogs.
- A new Condado Tacos stand will feature unique "Match Day tacos" for each game.
How to watch: Season tickets are sold out for 2024, forcing the Crew to create a waitlist for future years.
- Single-game tickets are still available.
- All games will be broadcast on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass or you can listen on FM stations Alt 105.7/La Grande 102.5.
Between the lines: Columbus is one of five U.S. cities to win multiple championships in the country's major team sports since 2020.
The intrigue: The Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl in 2020 and the Crew followed with an MLS title.
- The Chiefs and Crew both won again in 2023.
- The Chiefs just won another Super Bowl … which means it's time for a Columbus repeat?
What's next: Lower.com Field will also host matches in April for the SheBelieves Cup, featuring the U.S. Women's National Team and other top nations.
- The MLS All-Star Game and Skills Challenge are scheduled for July 23-24. Ticket sales are not yet available.