November 29, 2017 Dear Commissioner Garber and Mr. Precourt, Thank you again for the opportunity to meet with you in New York on November 15, 2017, to discuss the future of the Columbus Crew SC. As you know, Columbus has a rich history of professional soccer. As one of the original Major League Soccer franchise cities and as the city that built the first-ever soccer- specific stadium in the U.S., we believe the team rightfully belongs in Columbus. It was in this spirit that we came to the meeting prepared to find specific solutions that would achieve this goal. We feel it is now important to deliver a high-level recap of our conversation. As we discussed, the city and business community are committed to keeping the team in Columbus and remain willing to engage in positive discussions about ways our community can help the MLS and Columbus Crew SC leverage the excitement and growth of Columbus. As you recall, we shared three publically-owned sites for a potential new stadium: Berliner Park: more than 200 acres of city-owned property on the Southwest side of Columbus with easy access to I-71. Just 10 minutes from Downtown Columbus, this site is adjacent to German Village, one of the city’s oldest and most prosperous areas. This location has the option for a riverfront location. Dodge Recreation Center: 16 acres of riverfront city-owned property near the major freeway intersections of I-70 and I-71. In addition, this site is near the heart of a neighborhood seeing amazing growth and revitalization, just minutes from the center of Downtown Columbus. Redevelopment of Ohio Expo Center and State Fair: work with the State of Ohio to revitalize the area around the current Crew SC Stadium, build a world-class soccer stadium on the existing site and connect the area to the heart of the Ohio State University campus through improved access connectors.In addition, Columbus also has a number of feasible privately-owned spaces Downtown that could be sites for a new stadium, creating a “stadium central” in Columbus, with three professional sports arenas.For all of these options, we would partner with private developers to turn the surrounding area into an entertainment district with restaurants, bars and attractive streetscapes.We also offered potential ownership scenarios with an understanding that Mr. Precourt does not wish to sell the team outright. Scenarios include: 50/50 ownership with local investors with commensurate decision-making rights Crowdfunding and shared ownership with local investors in a “Green Bay Packers” model of professional sports Minority investments from strategic partners All of these ideas still need to be refined, and the details need to be developed with all of the community partners. We recognize the club also needs assistance strengthening corporate sponsorship, attendance and television ratings. As we have done in the past, we stand ready to assist you in these efforts and know a long-term commitment to Columbus will produce a strong partnership with many entities. None of the above is achievable if we continue to be pitted against another city. We ask you to reconsider working exclusively and collaboratively with us to advance our mutual interest. As we have said before, Columbus stands ready, willing and able to make the city a successful venue for the Crew SC. Sincerely, Andrew J. Ginther Alex Fischer Mayor of Columbus President and CEO of The Columbus Partnership
Sidenote all three of those ideas from the Mayor suck The private land that Nationwide Realty and the Schotensteins own are the only places that make sense for a downtown stadium
As a low level employee for Nationwide I feel that I can go ahead and offer up that land to them to build without any repercussions. Done deal. Crew are staying
Columbus is due for a goal. Higuine needs to settle down and control the ball, see where he’s passing it instead of anticipating.
Yep. Tortonto should def have 1 by now and not a guarantee but Meram should’ve had a good shot at one if not for his terrible touch
Oh for sure. That was an awful first touch. Both teams had chances as the play seemed to pick up towards the end of the half.
Play the ball out twice for Jozy and they still haven’t made the decision. If he comes back on again and goes down there’s no need to play the ball out IMO. You’ve done it twice
Osario fucks up a lot. You’d think with the talent around him he’d be the king of quick touches but instead he tries to play hero balls.
Now comes the hard part. It was easy to have Save The Crew be a thing while we were in the playoffs and drawing attention to the situation. Now we have to keep it up in the winter. This is not over.