History of Columbus Crew in Timeline

The Columbus Crew is a professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) as part of the Eastern Conference. As one of the 10 charter clubs, they began playing in 1996. Currently, the team is owned by the Haslam family and former team physician Pete Edwards, marking the third ownership group in the club's history.

June 15, 1994: Columbus Named as Founding MLS Member

On June 15, 1994, Major League Soccer announced that Columbus, Ohio, would be one of the ten founding members of the new top flight North American professional soccer league.

1994: Franchise Founded

In 1994, the Columbus Crew franchise was founded.

April 13, 1996: Inaugural Game and Coaching Change

On April 13, 1996, the Crew played their first game, winning 4–0 against D.C. United in front of 25,266 fans at Ohio Stadium. After a poor start, Tom Fitzgerald replaced Timo Liekoski as head coach.

1996: Crew's Primary Uniform Color

From 1996, the Crew donned black as their primary uniform color.

1996: First Season at Ohio Stadium

From 1996, the Crew played its home games at Ohio Stadium on the campus of Ohio State University.

1996: Inaugural Players and Coach

In 1996, Lamar Hunt and his son Clark became the owners of the Columbus Crew. Doctor Khumalo and Brian McBride joined the Crew as inaugural players. Timo Liekoski was the head coach for the first season.

1996: Snickers becomes first shirt sponsor

In 1996, Mars' Snickers chocolate bar became the team's first shirt sponsor, signing a five-year deal worth $6 million.

1996: Timo Liekoski named first head coach

In 1996, Timo Liekoski was named the first head coach of the Columbus Crew but was later replaced by Tom Fitzgerald midseason.

1996: Enactment of the Modell Law

In 1996, a state law known as the Modell Law was passed in Ohio following the relocation of the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore.

1996: Crew began play as charter club of MLS

In 1996, the Columbus Crew began playing as one of the 10 charter clubs of Major League Soccer (MLS).

1996: Inaugural Club Badge

In 1996, the club badge featured three silhouetted males wearing construction hats beneath a stylized "Crew" wordmark.

1996: First year of competition

The shield is an homage to the club's original badge with the 96 representing 1996 – the club's first year in competition.

1996: Fitzgerald coached the Crew

Tom Fitzgerald coached 161 of the Crew's first 183 MLS matches over parts of six seasons between 1996 and 2001.

1997: Eastern Conference Finals Loss

In 1997, the Black & Gold finished 15–17, placing them third in the Eastern Conference, but lost in the Conference Finals to D.C. United.

1998: Chicago defeated Columbus for Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

In 1998, Chicago defeated Columbus for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

1998: U.S. Open Cup Final Loss and Scoring Title

In 1998, the Crew finished 15-17, reaching the U.S. Open Cup Final but lost to the Chicago Fire. Stern John won the scoring champion, amassing 26 goals and 5 assists.

1998: Final Season at Ohio Stadium

In 1998, the Crew played their last home games at Ohio Stadium on the campus of Ohio State University.

May 15, 1999: Opening of Columbus Crew Stadium

On May 15, 1999, Columbus Crew Stadium, the first soccer-specific stadium in MLS, opened as the Crew beat the New England Revolution 2–0.

August 18, 1999: Dougherty Records 50th Win

On August 18, 1999, Mark Dougherty became the first goalkeeper in league history to record 50 wins, with a 4–2 win over the MetroStars at Giants Stadium.

1999: Move to Columbus Crew Stadium

From 1999, the Crew played home games at Historic Crew Stadium (formerly Mapfre Stadium and Columbus Crew Stadium), the first soccer-specific stadium built for an MLS team.

1999: Crew's Primary Uniform Color

Until 1999, the Crew donned black as their primary uniform color.

2000: MLS All-Star Game Hosted

In 2000, the Crew hosted the MLS All-Star Game, with Mike Clark, Brian McBride, and Dante Washington representing Columbus in the game.

2000: Unveiling of first yellow jersey

In 2000, the Crew unveiled their first fully yellow jersey.

2000: Snickers sponsorship deal ends

In 2000, the five-year sponsorship deal with Snickers chocolate bar ended.

2001: No shirt sponsor

In 2001, Columbus Crew played without a shirt sponsor.

2002: Pepsi becomes team's sponsor

From 2002 to 2004, Pepsi became the team's sponsor.

2002: U.S. Open Cup Victory and Rookie of the Year

In 2002, Columbus won the U.S. Open Cup, defeating LA Galaxy 1–0 in the final. Kyle Martino won rookie of the year, a first for the Crew.

2002: U.S. Open Cup Win

In 2002, the Crew won the U.S. Open Cup.

2003: CONCACAF Champions' Cup and McBride's Departure

In 2003, after winning the 2002 U.S. Open Cup, Columbus participated in the 2003 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, and McBride played his final season with Columbus.

2004: Andrulis wins MLS Coach of the Year Award

In 2004, Andrulis won the MLS Coach of the Year Award.

2004: Supporters' Shield Win and Defender of the Year Award

In 2004, Columbus Crew won the Supporters' Shield and set a franchise record for points with 49. Robin Fraser won the Defender of the Year award.

2004: Consistent wear of yellow jersey at home

In 2004, Columbus had to wait until to wear the yellow consistently at home.

2004: Supporters' Shield Win

In 2004, the Crew won the Supporters' Shield.

2004: Pepsi sponsorship ends

In 2004, the sponsorship with Pepsi ended.

2005: U.S. Open Cup game at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium

In 2005, Columbus Crew played a U.S. Open Cup game at the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, which is owned by the Ohio State University.

2005: Coaching Change and Schmid's Hiring

In 2005, Robert Warzycha replaced Andrulis midway through the season on an interim basis. After missing the playoffs, the club hired Sigi Schmid.

2005: No jersey sponsor

In 2005, there was no jersey sponsor for the Columbus Crew.

December 14, 2006: Death of Lamar Hunt

On December 14, 2006, team founder and owner Lamar Hunt died.

2006: Sigi Schmid managed the team

In 2006, Sigi Schmid managed the team for three seasons (2006-08).

2006: Fans begin traveling together

In 2006, a large contingency of fans from the Nordecke began traveling together to support the Crew during their away campaigns.

April 19, 2007: Signing of Guillermo Barros Schelotto

On April 19, 2007, the Crew signed Guillermo Barros Schelotto.

2007: No jersey sponsor

In 2007, there was no jersey sponsor for the Columbus Crew.

2008: Schmid Departs, Warzycha Appointed

After the 2008 season, Sigi Schmid left to coach Seattle Sounders FC and Robert Warzycha became head coach. Seattle was ordered to financially compensate the Crew.

2008: Glidden becomes new sponsor

From 2008 to 2010, Glidden was announced as the new sponsor, with a three-year deal worth $1 million per year.

2008: North stands demolished

In 2008, the Columbus Crew front office demolished the north stands to build a stage, leading to the formation of the Nordecke supporters' group.

2008: MLS Cup and Eastern Conference Title

In 2008, the Crew won its first Eastern Conference title and its first MLS Cup, led by Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who won the MLS Most Valuable Player Award. The team also won its second Supporters' Shield. Chad Marshall won MLS Defender of the Year award, and Sigi Schmid won Coach of the Year.

2008: MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield Win

In 2008, the Crew won the MLS Cup and the Supporters' Shield.

2008: League initiative to end multiple ownership

In 2008, the league began its initiative to end ownership groups owning multiple franchises in the league, with no success in finding a local ownership group in Columbus.

2008: Defeated Chicago in Eastern Conference Championship

In the 2008 season, Columbus defeated Chicago in the Eastern Conference Championship match.

2009: Second Consecutive Supporters' Shield and Designated Player

In 2009, Barros Schelotto became the franchise's first Designated Player. The club also won their second consecutive Supporters' Shield. Chad Marshall won his second consecutive MLS Defender of the Year award.

2009: Supporters' Shield Win

In 2009, the Crew won the Supporters' Shield.

2009: "NorOnTour" term grew popular

In late 2009, the term "NorOnTour" grew popular on social networking, to describe the frequent fan traveling support.

2010: Champions League Quarterfinals and U.S. Open Cup Final Loss

In 2010, Columbus reached the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, losing to Toluca. The Crew also lost in the 2010 U.S. Open Cup Final to the Seattle Sounders.

2010: Glidden sponsorship ends

In 2010, the sponsorship with Glidden ended.

2010: "NorOnTour" term grew popular

In early 2010, the term "NorOnTour" grew popular on social networking, to describe the frequent fan traveling support.

May 2011: Signing of Aaron Horton

In May 2011, the Crew signed its first ever homegrown player, Aaron Horton.

2011: Crew lost money

In 2011, the Crew lost money.

2011: No jersey sponsor

In 2011, there was no jersey sponsor for the Columbus Crew.

2012: Shift to White Uniform

In 2012, Columbus started shifting more towards a white uniform with yellow and black trim or stripes.

2012: Barbasol sponsorship deal announced

In 2012, the Crew announced a new shirt sponsorship deal with Barbasol, a shaving cream brand based in Dublin, Ohio, worth $900,000 annually.

2012: Set three financial goals

In 2012, the Crew set three financial goals: get a jersey sponsor, sell naming rights to Columbus Crew Stadium, and increase season-ticket sales to 10,000.

2012: Death of Kirk Urso

The midst of the 2012 season was most notable for a tragedy that happened off the field, as rookie midfielder Kirk Urso died from arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

July 30, 2013: Anthony Precourt Becomes Investor-Operator

On July 30, 2013, Anthony Precourt became the second investor-operator in the history of the club and made sweeping changes to the front office and sporting staff.

September 2, 2013: Robert Warzycha fired

On September 2, 2013, Robert Warzycha was fired as head coach and Brian Bliss became the interim coach.

September 2013: Robert Warzycha Fired

In September 2013, Anthony Precourt parted ways with head coach Robert Warzycha.

November 16, 2013: Gregg Berhalter named head coach

On November 16, 2013, it was announced that Gregg Berhalter would become the head coach and sporting director.

2013: Rebrand Initiation

In 2013, owner Anthony Precourt initiated a rebrand due to a perceived disconnect between the crest's meaning and the city's modern identity.

March 2014: Mark McCullers Steps Down

In March 2014, club president Mark McCullers stepped down after being told his contract would not be extended.

March 2014: Barbasol jersey sponsor secured, other goals unmet

In March 2014, the club had gained Barbasol as a jersey sponsor in 2012, but was still "a ways off from the other two goals".

August 2014: Andy Loughane Hired as Club President

In August 2014, Andy Loughane filled the vacancy and was hired as Club president.

October 8, 2014: New Badge Unveiled

On October 8, 2014, the Crew unveiled a new circular-shaped badge featuring black and gold colors, a minimized original crest with "96", and a checkerboard pattern. The badge also included stripes, a shield, an "O", "Columbus", and "SC".

2014: U.S. Open Cup game at FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field

In 2014, Columbus Crew played a U.S. Open Cup game at the FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field on the campus of the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.

2014: Stadium attendance records set

In 2014, the club set all-time stadium attendance records for highest overall attendance and most sellouts in one season. Season ticket membership was also trending to increase.

2014: Return of Kei Kamara

In late 2014, Kei Kamara returned to the Columbus Crew, marking the beginning of the 2015 season.

2014: End of Original Club Badge

The club badge from 1996 to 2014 was unique amongst MLS teams in that it featured people.

March 3, 2015: MAPFRE Insurance stadium naming rights partnership

On March 3, 2015, the Crew announced a multimillion-dollar stadium naming rights partnership with MAPFRE Insurance, a first for the stadium.

2015: Seating capacity of Columbus Crew Stadium at 19,968

As of the 2015 season, the seating capacity of Columbus Crew Stadium was 19,968.

2015: Return to Black Alternate Jersey

For the 2015 season, the Crew returned to a black jersey for its alternate uniform.

2015: "S.C." introduced as new mascot

In 2015, "S.C.", the son of "Crew Cat", was introduced as the official mascot of the Columbus Crew for the MLS season.

2015: 2015 Season Highlights

In 2015, Kei Kamara scored 22 regular season goals and 4 playoff goals, Ethan Finlay and Waylon Francis were selected for the MLS All-Star Game, the club achieved all-time attendance and sellout records at Crew Stadium, with a peak attendance of 22,719 on September 26th, and Columbus Crew lost the MLS Cup Final to the Portland Timbers 2–1.

2015: Naming Rights Purchased by Mapfre

In 2015, the naming rights for Columbus Crew Stadium were purchased by Madrid-based insurance company Mapfre.

2016: Unveiling of White Kit

During the beginning of the 2016 season, Columbus maintained a black kit, and also unveiled a white kit with yellow, red, and periwinkle trim introduced as being inspired by the city of Columbus flag.

2016: U.S. Open Cup game at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium

In 2016, Columbus Crew played a U.S. Open Cup game at the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, which is owned by the Ohio State University.

February 2017: Acura becomes shirt sponsor

In February 2017, the Crew announced a three-year deal with Acura as shirt sponsor, reported to be the largest annual commercial transaction in club history.

August 12, 2017: Justin Meram scores the 1,000th goal in club history

On August 12, 2017, Justin Meram scored the 1,000th goal in the history of the Columbus Crew, marking a significant milestone for the club.

October 17, 2017: Precourt announces intention to relocate Crew to Austin

On October 17, 2017, Anthony Precourt announced his intention to relocate the Columbus Crew franchise to Austin, Texas, contingent on securing a downtown stadium in Columbus. Fans and supporters initiated the #SaveTheCrew campaign in response.

November 15, 2017: Meeting on the Crew's Future

On November 15, 2017, Precourt and MLS commissioner Don Garber met with Columbus leaders to discuss the Crew's future, but no relocation threat was removed, and no downtown stadium plan was presented.

2017: First match against FC Cincinnati

In 2017, the Crew and FC Cincinnati first met in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match, which resulted in a 1-0 win for FC Cincinnati.

March 5, 2018: Lawsuit Filed Against Precourt

On March 5, 2018, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein filed a lawsuit against Precourt, citing the Modell Law to prevent the team's relocation without proper notice and attempts to sell to a local group.

October 12, 2018: Haslam announces process to buy the Crew

On October 12, 2018, Jimmy Haslam, owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced he was in the process of buying the Crew along with local groups. The lawsuit against Precourt was dismissed that day.

2018: New stadium proposal unveiled

In 2018, as part of a new ownership proposal, the club announced plans to build a new $230 million stadium in the Arena District of Downtown Columbus.

January 1, 2019: Ownership Transferred to Haslam Family

On January 1, 2019, control of the Crew franchise was officially transferred to the Haslam family and Dr. Pete Edwards, who announced plans to build a new stadium in downtown Columbus.

2019: Crew's 2019 Season

In 2019, Tim Bezbatchenko and Caleb Porter were hired as president and coach, respectively. The 2019 season was difficult, with numerous injuries, including a season-ending ACL injury to Federico Higuaín.

2019: New stadium groundbreaking ceremony

In 2019, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new stadium was held.

February 27, 2020: Nationwide becomes shirt sponsor

On February 27, 2020, the Columbus Crew announced a multi-year deal with Nationwide, a Columbus-based insurance company, as shirt sponsor.

December 12, 2020: Crew win MLS Cup 2020

On December 12, 2020, the Columbus Crew won their second MLS Cup by defeating the Seattle Sounders 3–0 at Mapfre Stadium.

2020: New authority takes ownership of Mapfre Stadium

In 2020, a new authority took ownership of Mapfre Stadium, soon renamed Historic Crew Stadium, and its adjacent city sports park, with the team continuing to control that venue in terms of its use as a training facility.

2020: MLS Cup Win

In 2020, the Crew won the MLS Cup.

May 17, 2021: Columbus Crew Rebrand Update

On May 17, 2021, due to negative feedback, the franchise announced that "Columbus Crew" would remain their official name, modifying the new logo accordingly and dropping "SC" from the brand.

June 15, 2021: New stadium named Lower.com Field

On June 15, 2021, the new stadium was named Lower.com Field via a sponsorship deal with Lower.com, a Columbus-based online real estate company.

June 2021: OhioHealth Performance Center opens

In June 2021, the OhioHealth Performance Center, a new training facility, opened.

June 21, 2021: MLS Next Pro league announced

On June 21, 2021, Major League Soccer announced the formation of MLS Next Pro, a new developmental league for its clubs.

July 17, 2021: First Win at Lower.com Field

On July 17, 2021, the Columbus Crew recorded their first win at Lower.com Field.

December 6, 2021: MLS Next Pro unveiled

On December 6, 2021, MLS Next Pro was unveiled as the name of the new professional league, with Columbus Crew's team named Columbus Crew 2.

2021: Caleb Porter fired

Due to results of the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Columbus fired Caleb Porter.

2021: The Crew Network launched

In 2021, the Columbus Crew launched The Crew Network, which aims to promote soccer in Ohio and offer exclusive opportunities to boys, girls, coaches, and parents.

2021: Campeones Cup Win

In 2021, the Crew won their first continental trophy by winning the Campeones Cup.

2021: Inauguration of Lower.com Field

In 2021, the Crew's stadium, Lower.com Field, was opened.

2021: Rebranding and New Logo

In 2021, with new ownership, a rebranding introduced a new logo and name change, featuring the Ohio flag shape, a "C", and a "96".

December 2022: Hiring of Wilfried Nancy

In December 2022, Columbus hired Wilfried Nancy from CF Montréal as head coach after firing Porter.

2022: Caleb Porter fired

Due to results of the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Columbus fired Caleb Porter.

2023: MLS Cup Win

In 2023, the Crew won the MLS Cup.

2023: Club Attendance Records

In 2023, the team set club attendance records for both most cumulative attendance and most sellouts.

2023: Columbus Crew win MLS Cup 2023

In 2023, under coach Nancy, Columbus Crew advanced through the playoffs and won MLS Cup 2023 against Los Angeles FC, capturing the third MLS Cup title in the club's history.

2024: Champions Cup Final Loss to Pachuca

In 2024, Columbus faced C.F. Pachuca in the final of the Champions Cup Tournament and lost 3-0, with altitude and suspected food poisoning affecting the team's performance.

2024: CONCACAF Champions Cup Run

In 2024, the Columbus Crew played Tigres UANL in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, advancing after a penalty shoot-out win in Mexico and defeated Monterrey in both legs to advance to their first continental final.

2024: Leagues Cup Win and Champions' Cup Final Appearance

In 2024, the Crew won the Leagues Cup and advanced to their first Champions' Cup final.

2025: Match against Inter Miami CF moved to Huntington Bank Field

In 2025, the Crew moved their April 19 regular season match against Inter Miami CF to Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. The match drew a club-record attendance of 60,614 spectators.