The Columbus Crew has officially kicked off its 30th season. 

Fans have been waiting for the start of the season for months now. They say they’re looking forward to seeing the adjustments the team makes without a couple of key players from the last few seasons.

There’s nothing quite like Columbus Crew supporters, particularly the Nordecke community that gathers on gameday behind the north goal at Lower.com Field. Ben Stepp is a part of it.

“When we came to set up, it felt like a family reunion,” Stepp said. “We were like ‘hey we haven’t seen each other in a year, let’s do this’. So, it was awesome.”

Celebrations started early for them with tailgating hours before the game. The festivities were complete with smiles, food and excitement. Anthony Gilbert was dressed as Santa to ring in ‘Crewsmas’.

“A lot of people are wondering how our roster is going to look, but you know spirits are high out here,” Gilbert said. “We know we’re going to come out here and play some nancyball. We got Chicago Fire first. Easy warm up game, so we’re going to come out here, just have a great time and enjoy what’s going on.”

Fans were thrilled Columbus Crew pulled out a win over the Chicago Fire.

“One game at a time,” Gilbert said. “We got Champions Cup going on, we’re going to have Leagues Cup. Playoffs are a long ways away, so right now we’re just focused on one game at a time, building chemistry, making sure that we’re ready for when playoffs do come around.”
Carly Koewacich and her group ‘Steel City Massive’ made the two and a half hour trek from Youngstown.

“We are stoked,” Koewacich said. “We have had a countdown on our social media since like 45 days ago. We are so ready for this.”

Koewacich said despite some roster changes, she’s confident in the team. 
“We are hoping for a lot of wins, a lot of trophies,” Koewacich said. “We’ll see what offseason brings with all these people, but we’re super excited. We’re very hopeful.”
Season ticket holder, Laurie Kline echoed that sentiment. 

“We got some new players,” Kline said. “We lost some players, so it’s kind of a rebuilding season, but always hope for the cup.”

Even through the growing pains, fans say they’ll be there every step of the way cheering the team on. 

“Another cup, another star on the jersey,” Stepp said. “Let’s do it. Every year.”
This season is the club’s fourth full season at Lower.com Field.