Crew faces backlash for big game planned in Cleveland
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The Crew lost 3-2 the last time Lionel Messi and Inter Miami visited. Photo: Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Undefeated and leading the East, the Columbus Crew is still facing backlash for its upcoming focus on another Ohio city.
Driving the news: The team's April 19 match against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami — the hottest ticket in MLS — will be at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, not Columbus.
Why it matters: Messi is arguably the greatest player in the sport's history and has driven unprecedented ticket demand across the league since he signed in 2023.
- Meanwhile, Crew fans are skittish about anything involving another city after they helped thwart the previous owners' attempted move to Austin.
Between the lines: Why play in Cleveland? Because the stadium's capacity is 67,431, three times the size of Lower.com Field.
- Haslam Sports Group owns the Crew and the Browns, who play at Huntington Bank Field.
- Ohio Stadium was never an option. Its field is too narrow for a regulation soccer match.
The fine print: The Crew is organizing buses to transport some fans to Cleveland and back, and is offering season ticket holders vouchers for a free hot dog, beer and parking.
Friction point: Supporters have expressed their displeasure on social media since the game was announced last year.
- The Nordecke supporters group is unhappy with front office collaboration and is "having a challenging time" selling allotted tickets amid "a clear and obvious lack of interest" from fans, group spokesperson Collin Hill tells Axios.
What they're saying: Hill says including an out-of-town game in season ticket packages rubbed some the wrong way and "dealings with another city" upsets fans.
- "The way this was introduced to Crew fans and subsequently marketed has been nothing short of dismissive to our history and relationship to this club."
The other side: Crew spokesperson Rob McBurnett says the team's top priority is "creating an incredible environment for fans and the team."
- He said the team is also excited for "new elements that speak to soccer in Cleveland."
Reality check: It's far from a guarantee that Messi will appear against the Crew.
- Miami is being cautious with its legendary 37-year-old, who has started only six of 11 games this season.
What we're watching: Fan strife and Messi uncertainty mean many tickets are listed for resale or are unsold throughout the stadium.
- McBurnett, however, says ticket sales are outpacing projections, and the team expects a sell-out.
- He acknowledges "a group of people who are waiting on the status of a certain player."
MLS Record: 4-0-3, 15 points.
- First in the East, second in MLS.
📆 What's next: The team has a trip to St. Louis City SC at 7pm Sunday before heading to Cleveland.