Columbus Crew has launched a new food and beverage experience ahead of its move to a new stadium this summer, while fellow Major League Soccer franchise Nashville SC has unveiled a preview centre for its new venue, which will open in 2022.
Crew Kitchen will serve as the dining and hospitality team of the New Crew Stadium, creating food and beverage experiences across concessions, catering, on-site clubs and suites.
Columbus Crew has worked with hospitality partner Levy on the new venture, which will look to reimagine the dining experience at the stadium. The offering will feature local favourite restaurants identified by Crew supporters and will also enable faster and efficient cashless and mobile ordering at the stadium.
Steve Lyons, executive vice-president and chief business officer for the Crew, said: “Creating Crew Kitchen to provide an authentic Columbus-centric food and beverage experience for our supporters is front and centre for the New Crew Stadium.
“Supporter feedback was critical throughout the stadium design process and when it came to dining options, our supporters stressed they wanted their food and beverage choices as quick, efficient and frictionless as possible so they could get back to the action on the pitch. Levy’s expertise in the restaurant industry was pivotal in meeting our supporters’ needs.
“In addition, we were intentional about creating memorable food and beverage experiences that celebrate the diversity of our local cuisine. We know Crew Kitchen will provide an experience that aligns with the dynamic and exciting aura of New Crew Stadium when our new home opens this July.”
The hospitality experience has been informed by Levy’s data and analytics firm E15 Group. Four thousand fans were surveyed to get their input on the range of dining experiences.
The Crew’s new stadium will have a capacity of 20,000. The team currently plays at Mapfre Stadium, which was built in 1999 as the first soccer-specific stadium in MLS.
Meanwhile, Nashville SC fans will be given the chance to sample the team’s new stadium after a preview centre was launched at the club’s headquarters. The experience features a 3D model of the stadium, which will have a capacity of 30,000.
The centre is initially open to premium seat members and will open to the wider fan base in the summer.
This season will mark Nashville SC’s second year in MLS. The team will continue playing at Nissan Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, until it moves into its new stadium.
Image: Crew Kitchen
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