By Mariana Smith
February 15, 2024
COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew have launched their annual city-wide engagements for Black & Gold Week, a week-long celebration building excitement prior to Crewsmas and the Club’s season opener against Atlanta United FC at Lower.com Field on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. ET.
To start the festivities, the Crew are holding a “Fee-Free Weekend.” Supporters will be able to purchase tickets to 2024 Crew home matches on Ticketmaster with no added fees from 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16 through Monday, Feb. 19 at 11:59 p.m. The offer is only valid for tickets listed as “Verified Ticket from Crew” on Ticketmaster.
Also on Friday, the Crew will unveil the Club’s new jersey for the 2024 season. The new kit will be available for purchase at the Crew Shop located at Lower.com Field (96 Columbus Crew Way, Columbus, OH 43215) starting Friday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. The Crew Shop will have extended hours on Sunday, Feb. 18 (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Monday, Feb. 19 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.).
Throughout the week, Columbus will be painted Black & Gold throughout the Short North and Arena District, which will also be illuminated in gold each night in anticipation of the season’s first match.
Columbus Recreation and Parks Community Centers will participate in a mini-tifo contest to win prizes and create friendly competition among centers. Ten community centers will be creating mini-tifos that will be displayed throughout the week. The community will vote online or in person (via QR Code) to determine the winner. Voters will be automatically entered to win a swag bag and 2024 jersey. The center with the most votes will receive tickets to a future Crew match at Lower.com Field.
Additionally, many local business will participate in the activities during a window decorating contest to show their passion for the Crew. Fans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite window display for a chance to win tickets to the home opener. Voting is open Feb. 17 – 23. The winner will be selected on Feb. 23.
The Black & Gold celebrate the return of Crewsmas – the supporter-driven tradition hosted during the first home match of each year – against Atlanta. The Crew will unveil their new championship banner commemorating the Club’s 2023 MLS Cup, the third in franchise history, while players and coaches will receive their championship rings. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the full pre-match celebration.
Crew single-match tickets can be purchased at columbuscrew.com/tickets. In December, the Crew launched Black & Gold Next, a comprehensive membership program for supporters who wish to acquire season tickets in future years. Members of the waitlist will have priority access to season tickets beginning in 2025 while enjoying benefits offered to current season tickets members, including access to pre-sales for 2024 Crew single-match tickets and major events at Lower.com Field, Historic Crew Stadium and Cleveland Browns Stadium; and an MLS Season Pass subscription to stream all Crew and MLS matches throughout the season.
To join Black & Gold Next and receive pre-sale access to 2024 single-match tickets, priority access to season tickets in 2025 and additional year-round benefits, visit https://www.columbuscrew.com/tickets/blackandgoldnext.
ABOUT COLUMBUS CREW
Columbus Crew is the first club in Major League Soccer. The Crew is operated by Haslam Sports Group and the Edwards Family. The Club has won three MLS Cup championships in 2008, 2020 and 2023, one Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2002, MLS Supporters’ Shield titles in 2004, 2008 and 2009, and the Campeones Cup in 2021. The 2024 campaign is the Crew’s 29th season in MLS as well as the Club’s third full season at Lower.com Field.
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