Following last week’s unveiling of plans for a new US$230m, 20,000-seater stadium for MLS team Columbus Crew SC, the Columbus City Council has given the proposal unanimous approval.
Representing a huge step toward building a new downtown stadium, the council voted 6-0 to contribute US$50m toward the development of the mixed-use, 33 acre (13ha) project, which is hoped to be built at the confluence of the Olentangy and Scioto rivers.
Renderings revealed an open-air, rectangular stadium, while the proposed development will also include nearly 1,000 residential units, office and commercial space, and also repurpose Columbus Crew’s current home stadium, Mapfre Stadium, into a community sports park.
The project is led by Jimmy and Dee Haslam – the owners of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns – as well as Dr Peter H Edwards. It is understood the Haslam-led group would be investing more than US$600m into the overall project.
“To ensure the long-term success of Crew SC, and for the Club to remain in Columbus, a critical component of our discussions has been plans for a new stadium, as well as increased fan and corporate support. We hope to see these essential elements finalized soon. While there is work to be completed, we commend Mayor Ginther, Alex Fischer, the City, the County, and all who are engaged in this process, which we believe will deliver great benefits to Crew fans and the Columbus community for generations to come,” said Don Garber, MLS Commissioner.
