City officials remain confident that an ownership change will keep the Crew SC in Columbus along with a new stadium, so much so that they’ve announced future plans for the team’s current venue.
With the backing of the Columbus Partnership, Mayor Andy Ginther today announced a proposal to repurpose Mapfre Stadium into the Columbus Community Sports Park.
Ginther says the park will also serve as a regional destination for athletic tournaments and other events. Under the plan, the Crew would practice and train there following the construction of a new stadium. The city has committed funds for infrastructure and land for a new stadium, with Franklin County contributing money too. Details are not available, and the families of Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam and Dr. Peter Edwards of Columbus are still working to complete the purchase of the Crew by the league-imposed deadline of the end of this year. Columbus City Council holds a public forum Thursday before considering the proposal at its Monday meeting. Councilmembers seem receptive to the idea, including Elizabeth Brown, who noted a public safety benefit to having a sports park.
A public hearing regarding the proposal takes place Thursday at 6pm in Council Chambers.
