COLUMBUS, Ohio — Are you planning to attend the Columbus Crew’s opening match at Lower.com Field on July 3?
Whether you’re driving, taking a rideshare or riding a bike, here’s what you can do to plan ahead.
The Crew on Friday released plans that officials say will make getting inside Lower.com Field easier no matter how you’re traveling to the stadium.
“We are committed to delivering a best-in-class experience and creating deeper connections with our fans across every touchpoint at Lower.com Field,” said Columbus Crew Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer Steve Lyons in a press release. “Our new home and its modern feel and cutting-edge technology reflect the forward-thinking environment of Columbus while still retaining its sense of community.
“Our priority is to provide personal, convenient and accessible encounters for fans that deliver a frictionless experience from the time of arrival, through each matchday element to departure. We are excited to open our doors on July 3 and unveil the convenience and innovation of Lower.com Field.”
Parking
Fans who plan to drive to the stadium can purchase parking passes in advance online via the Arena District Parking website or using several apps including ParkColumbus and ParkMobile.
Drivers who plan to park in the Premium Ticket Holder lots can exit the stadium via Hocking Street and turn right onto Spring Street to access State Route 315 and Interstate 670. Cars in the general lots can head west on Nationwide Boulevard to Neil Avenue to access I-670 and Interstate 71, according to Crew officials.
Premium Ticket Holder lots are located west of the railroad tracks, include lots P1 (Hocking Lot), P2 (530 W. Spring St.) and P3 (600 W. Spring St.), according to Crew officials.
Located east of the railroad tracks, starting at Hanover Street, and running to Neil Avenue, the Crew have partnered with a number of lots and garages throughout the Arena District to provide more than 5,000 general parking spots, officials said.
Ride-Hail and Biking
Crew officials said they have designated a ride-hail drop-off and pick-up location on Hanover Street for fans arriving via Lyft and Uber.
Crew fans who prefer to bike to the match can find a COGO Bike Station at Nationwide Boulevard and Neil Avenue. In addition, officials say they are finalizing a bike valet for additional transportation options. Additional details about the bike valet will be available soon, officials said.
Riders will have the option of using the bike valet service when walking across the new pedestrian bridge from the Olentangy Trail which leads directly to the southwest gate of the stadium.
COTA and Walkers
Fans who plan to ride the COTA bus can take two stops near Lower.com Field.
Stop ID No. 5914 servicing line Nos. 3 and 8 is located at Neil Avenue and Brodbelt Lane, while stop ID No. 7083 will be at Nationwide and McConnell Boulevards. Service to line No. 3 runs every 30 minutes, while line No. 8 runs every 15 minutes. The bus stops are about a 10-minute walk from the stadium.
Beginning at Hanover Street, traffic approaching the stadium on Nationwide Boulevard will be mostly pedestrian only. Additionally, Columbus Crew Way, which serves as the western border of Lower.com Field, will be completely closed to vehicles beginning four hours before the match, officials said.
Ticketing and Security
Once at Lower.com Field, fans can opt to enroll in the Crew Express Access Program and walk into the field with one glance at an iPad due to the Crew’s partnership with Wicket.
Fans who opt in can pair their ticket with their face by linking their ticketing account to their pictures, officials said.
The Crew Express Account Program is optional, Crew officials said.
Using the Crew Mobile App and mobile tickets are still available for all Crew fans.
For more details, click here to visit the https://www.columbuscrew.com/matchday/.
