Columbus Crew SC today announced that tickets will not be sold for Wednesday’s home match at MAPFRE Stadium against the Philadelphia Union on September 2 [7:30 p.m. ET / FOX Sports Ohio, FOX Sports GO (Stream) / 97.1 The Fan & 971TheFan.com (English), ColumbusCrewSC.com (Spanish)].
Crew SC has collaborated with government health officials, medical experts, industry leaders and MLS and worked hard to develop a comprehensive venue reopening plan for MAPFRE Stadium. The Crew remains ready to host a limited number of fans with health and safety as its highest priority if and when the necessary approvals are secured. An update regarding the potential for supporters to attend in a significantly reduced capacity for the home match against FC Cincinnati on Sunday, September 6 is expected later this week as additional information becomes available.
The Club has continued to recognize that circumstances are fluid and as such, has designed its plans to maximize flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Crew SC looks forward to continuing to collaborate with the State of Ohio and local public health officials in Columbus on its venue reopening plans. In the meantime, the Club will follow the guidance of MLS and execute robust safety and sanitization protocols for players and staff at MAPFRE Stadium as it does its part to ensure a safe continuation of the 2020 MLS season. On Wednesday, only a very small number (approximately 250) of family members and guests of the team (players, staff) will be in attendance.
As previously announced, Crew SC’s re-opening preparedness at MAPFRE Stadium is guided by seven key principles: 1) physical separation, which includes a reduced capacity and specific circulation plan to maximize six feet physical distancing inside the stadium; 2) face coverings, which are required for everyone in the stadium; 3) health screenings, which include daily temperature screenings and symptom monitoring for all staff, as well as a fan health promise; 4) robust cleaning and disinfecting protocols throughout the venue; 5) comprehensive hygiene protocols for all supporters and staff; 6) clear signage and communication, including wayfinding and posted education and protocol materials that will be posted for fans and staff; and 7) accountability and flexibility in the form of robust plan governance, compliance and audit protocols along with continuous review and adjustment to evolving circumstances.
Within Crew SC’s “2020 Return to Play” schedule [Updated Crew Schedule], any ticketed matches played in front of fans at MAPFRE Stadium will be at significantly reduced capacity. As such, all tickets to future 2020 matches will be issued as new tickets. With respect to any future 2020 Crew SC home matches that are played with fans, Crew SC will offer Season Ticket Members the opportunity to purchase tickets in waves based on tenure. Supporters with questions may contact the Membership Services Team (614-447-2739, ext. 1 or membershipteam@columbuscrewsc.com) or visit www.columbuscrewsc.com/covid-19 for updated information.
All Crew SC matches in Phase One continue to be televised locally on FOX Sports Ohio and SportsTime Ohio. Similarly, the Black & Gold’s matches will be aired locally on the radio in English on 97.1 The Fan and streaming online via “Listen Live” at 971TheFan.com, featuring Chris Doran broadcasting the contests. The club’s official website, ColumbusCrewSC.com, is set to stream Spanish-language audio broadcasts of all six matches with Juan Valladares behind the microphone.
For a schedule of Crew SC’s upcoming 2020 MLS regular-season matches in Phase One, please see below.
<strong>DATE</strong> |
<strong>OPPONENT</strong> |
<strong>REGIONAL TV NETWORK</strong> |
<strong>TIME (ET)</strong> |
<p>Wednesday, September 2</p> |
<p>PHILADELPHIA UNION</p> |
<p>FOX Sports Ohio</p> |
<p>7:30 p.m.</p> |
<p>Sunday, September 6</p> |
<p>FC CINCINNATI</p> |
<p>SportsTime Ohio</p> |
<p>7:30 p.m.</p> |
<p>Saturday, September 12</p> |
<p>@ Chicago Fire</p> |
<p>SportsTime Ohio</p> |
<p>7:30 p.m.</p> |
