Columbus Crew Season Ticket Membership extensions are in full swing! TheCrew.com is taking a look at select Crew Season Ticket Members who have extended their seats for the 2015 season. Remember to join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #OurCrew2015.
Joe Gasbarro has seen it all with the Columbus Crew -- literally. A Season Ticket Member since the very first season, Mr. Gasbarro recently extended his membership for what will be the club's 20th campaign in 2015. Gasbarro, pictured above with his son, Angelo, and club legends Brian McBride, Dante Washington and Duncan Oughton, took some time to speak with TheCrew.com about his 20 years in Black & Gold.
You’ve been with the club since the very beginning. How have you seen it grow and develop over that time?
"We have seen the club grow to a strong level of professionalism and maintain a high level of performance and professionalism. The stadium was, obviously, a historic achievement. The one championship and several Supporters' Shields were also great achievements. Our ability to identify and foster some good, young talent has been one of the other nice things to witness."
As a follow-up, how has that continued to evolve under Anthony Precourt and Gregg Berhalter this year?
"I think it is still quite early to see too many differences. I think our young player base is the strongest we have ever had. I also think that the ownership is committed to bringing in proven top-class talent. Bringing in Parkhurst was a great addition. Hopefully Pogatetz will be the same. The attempt to bring in [Mix] Diskerud showed that they are trying. I hope the current ownership is truly committed to keeping the team in this city. We love the sport and the team."
What is your favorite memory from your 20 seasons with the club?
"The championship season. That is what it is all about. Setting the League benchmark by having the first stadium, and having that stadium so closely identified to our four straight World Cup qualifications is a source of pride, and disdain south of the border."
What kind of value comes with being a Crew Season Ticket Member?
"My brother, Mike, and I travel a lot for our company, so we don’t use as many of the fringe benefits that we probably could. For us it is not about the extras. We support the Crew because we take pride in our community and have a deep love for the sport of soccer. The value for us is saying that this city has a professional League in the sport we love and this city takes it very seriously."
As a 20-year veteran, what would you say to someone considering becoming a Season Ticket Member for the first time?
"I would say that this is the best sporting value in town. The quality is very nearly world class, the prices are a great value and it is a lot of fun."
