COLUMBUS, Ohio - Representatives of more than a dozen central Ohio communities met today with Columbus Crew officials to discuss plans for the development of a new team training center and soccer complex.
The meeting was held as part of the process to select a community development partner to create a world-class, indoor soccer training facility with adjacent outdoor soccer fields. The Crew has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) as part of the process; community responses are due in late April.
Representatives from Columbus, Canal Winchester, the City of Delaware, Delaware County, Dublin, Fairfield County, Gahanna, Granville, Grove City, Licking County, London, New Albany, Newark, Obetz, Pataskala, Pickaway County and Reynoldsburg attended the pre-proposal meeting held at Crew Stadium.
"We're pleased that these communities have expressed an interest in this exciting project," said Crew General Manager Mark McCullers. "Our goal is to partner with a local community to create an environment that meets the Crew's training needs and enhances and increases much-needed soccer infrastructure, while also drawing thousands of participants and spectators to tournaments, camps and recreational events."
Preliminary conceptual plans drafted for the Crew by Columbus architect Acock Associates include team training facilities, a full-size indoor field and 16 outdoor fields. A sports medicine and physiotherapy clinic and retail development are among the elements also under consideration.
The selected community partner will construct the soccer complex. The Crew will be a long-term tenant and provide continued managerial and maintenance expertise.
Pizzuti Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Pizzuti Companies, is managing the selection process and will make recommendations to the Crew following review of the submitted proposals.
"This is an exciting opportunity for a community to partner with a professional sports franchise and create a unique regional destination," said Jim Russell, Pizzuti Solutions' senior vice president. "In addition to evaluating the proposals submitted by each community, we are also seeking input from businesses interested in being part of the project."
The Crew was the first Major League Soccer franchise to develop a state-of-the-art training facility 10 years ago in partnership with the Village of Obetz.
