COLUMBUS, Ohio - Columbus Crew General Manager Mark McCullers announced today the details for Sunday's (May 15) Spring Soccer Festival to be held at Columbus Crew Stadium.
The event takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. and is open to all Gold and Black level members of the Crew Soccer Nation. Gates will open at 12:30 p.m.
The day will include on-field clinics with the players, and chats with Crew coaches and Crew front office members, including Mark McCullers. Each attendee must show their Crew Soccer Nation membership-card credential for admittance.
Gold level members are full, 18-game season ticket holders, while Black level members are "half-pack," nine-game season ticket holders. Crew Soccer Nation memberships are also available at the Silver level (Six-game season ticket plan) and the four-game level. All Crew Soccer Nation members receive a membership-card credential, a media guide and a monthly newsletter.
To purchase season tickets or to upgrade the level of your membership call 614-447-CREW or visit the Crew Stadium Box Office.
"The members of Crew Soccer Nation are the foundation of the Columbus Crew," said Suzy Christopher, Crew Sr. Director of Ticket Sales. "This program recognizes that and rewards their significant commitment to The Crew by offering them exclusive opportunities and unprecedented access to the players, coaches and front office."
There are also some great game-specific benefits for Crew Soccer Nation members, including a post-game press conference question, pre-game head coach and general manager forums and pre-game field access. Details of the game-specific benefits follow:
Post-Game Press Conference Question - Gold level members can come to Guest Services before the 75th minute to submit a question for the post-game press conference (credential must be presented). If your question is selected, we'll come to your seat before the end of the game to escort you and a guest to the press conference where you will ask Crew Head Coach Greg Andrulis your question.
Pre-Game Head Coach and General Manager Forum - Gold and Black level members get a chance to get up close with Head Coach Greg Andrulis and General Manager Mark McCullers by asking questions at a pre-game forum. Members must show their credential at Gate 6 to be admitted to the Stadium Club. Remaining forums will be held on July 9 and September 17 from 5:30-6:00 p.m.
Pre-Game Field Access - Gold level members get the opportunity to watch warm-ups from the sidelines. On selected games, from 6:40- 7:10 p.m., you can stand on the field and watch the Crew get ready to play. Bring your credential to the field access gate located next to the Donatos Pizzeria in the Huntington corner of Crew Stadium. Reference your account number and follow the schedule below: May 14 (Accounts 2-15332 through 8-24000); May 21 (Accounts 8-24011 through 17-34396); and May 28 (Accounts 17-47848 through 33-33260).
In addition to the game-specific benefits, there are other major events planned for Crew Soccer Nation members. Other than the Spring Soccer Festival this weekend, there are three additional events already scheduled ‑‑ a Private Player Meet & Greet at Crew Boom! (July 2), The Crew Family Summer Picnic (August 21) and the Annual Team Awards Ceremony (October 19). Details of each event follow:
Private Player Meet & Greet at Crew BOOM! (Crew Stadium, Time TBD) - Crew Stadium will again participate in Red White & BOOM! as an official satellite viewing location. This event is open to the public and will feature games, food, music and more. As part of this event and as a special benefit to Gold level members, a private player Meet & Greet will be hosted at Crew Stadium. Each attendee must show their Crew Soccer Nation credential for admittance.
Crew Family Summer Picnic (Location & time TBD) - Gold and Black level members get a chance to mingle with Crew players and coaches on August 21 at the Crew Family Summer Picnic at a to be determined location. In the past this event has been held at the Columbus Zoo, Crew Stadium and Circle S Farms. Each attendee must show their Crew Soccer Nation credential for admittance.
Annual Team Awards Ceremony (Location & time TBD) - The Crew will hold their end-of-the-season Annual Team Awards Ceremony on Oct. 19 at the Great Southern Theatre. Gold level members will get to be a part of the show as the team celebrates the season. Each attendee must show their Crew Soccer Nation credential for admittance.
