Parking & Arrival
Lower.com Field is easily accessible by car, bus, bike or on foot, so you can choose the arrival method of choice.
If driving, there are plenty of surface lots and parking garages in the Arena District that serves the area’s regular sporting and entertainment events. If you don’t want to have to deal with finding a spot in the moment, you can even reserve a spot online so you’re all set in advance!
A brand-new pedestrian bridge connecting the Olentangy Trail to Astor Park (the larger development of which Lower.com Field is a part) over the Olentangy River makes it easy to walk or bike from any of the surrounding neighborhoods. There are many CoGo stations in the Arena District and Franklinton Cycle Works will be offering free bike valet for those who bring their own wheels.
Click here for more information on getting to Lower.com Field, including COTA bus routes and rideshare drop-offs.
Pre-Game
One of the absolute best things about the location of Lower.com Field is its location in the heart of downtown Columbus’ Arena District, so there are plenty of places to grab a bite and a drink before every home match. Here are a few of our favorite places for a pre-game hang:
- Betty’s Bar: If you don’t want to have to walk far, this hole-in-the-wall offering cheap drinks and a casual atmosphere is the place for you.
- Boston’s: Stay up to the minute on all the sports news you need prior to the match while enjoying a delicious pizza.
- Whistle & Keg: This self-service bar allows you to sample a wide selection of beers, and still has a full-service bar for everything else.
- R Bar: Of course, a staple for Blue Jackets fans, R Bar is a great spot before any Arena District Event. Arrive early to grab a patio spot on nice days!
- BBR: Is there anything else you need before a match besides (B)eer, (B)urgers and (R)ock? Nope. That’s why BBR has you covered!
At the Stadium
The Columbus Crew has always been at the forefront of MLS experiences, and Lower.com is no exception. Gates open 1.5 hours before kickoff for those who want to explore the new digs, and you can save time by signing up for the Crew’s revolutionary touchless entry here.
Be sure to support local while cheering on the hometown team by grabbing food and a drink from one of these Columbus-based vendors inside the stadium. Important note: Lower.com Field is a cashless operation!
The Nordecke, the Crew’s supporter section, will be the second-largest on-site presence in the MLS. The new stadium was built with the fan section at a steeper angle above the field so it feels like they’re right on top of the players. Look to these fanatics to lead cheers throughout the game and practice your match-day chants by following along with the lyrics found here. Here's a sample of what to expect:
When the Crew score, there will be a new tradition a Lower.com Field that will pay homage to the original logo featuring men in hard hats. This will involve a fan operating a jackhammer on a brick, and the piece that chunks off will be engraved and hung in the entry tunnel as a memento to the goal.
Post-Game
There’s no need to head home right after the game! The new location of Lower.com Field puts you in close proximity to hundreds of nightlife and entertainment spots in the area. Dance the night away in the Short North Arts District or grab a post-game brew in Franklinton (including this after-party for the inaugural match at Land-Grant). Check out more options here.
