Moving MAPFRE Stadium Is A Bad Idea

In case you missed it, Columbus Crew SC front office sent out an email to season ticket holders, engaging them to complete a survey. The survey covered a possible movement for stadium MAPFRE Stadium. The stadium happened to be the first Soccer Specific Stadium in MLS (Major League Soccer).

Here’s a little background on MAPFRE Stadium. MAPFRE Stadium broke ground in 1998. During the first three season of Crew SC soccer, they played their games at Ohio Stadium on the campus of The Ohio State University.  The doors officially didn’t open until May 15, 1999. Not only do they host Crew SC matches, it has also been the home to music festival Rock On the Range, and also Dos A Cero matches for the USMNT when they play the Mexican National Team. 

Silly Survey Ideas

Now, I know you’re wondering what the survey said, or addressed. Basically, the survey wanted feedback from fans on whether or not a relocation would better attendance and whatnot. Currently, the stadium sits on the Columbus Fairgrounds, just between Interstate 71 to the north, and Interstate 670 to the south.

I know by looking at the general area of Linden, it doesn’t look good. But it suits the stadium well. But reading the possible relocation areas are just silly. The options are Franklinton, Columbus Brewery District, Columbus Arena District, or Suburban Columbus. Each of these areas is not compatible for a soccer-specific stadium.

Why These Areas Can’t Fit A Soccer Stadium

I have many reasons why each location can’t fit a stadium. Starting with Franklinton. Franklinton is located on the West side of Columbus, near Hilltop. Just hearing Hilltop associated with Franklinton is a no-no. The current Linden area is already bad enough. In hindsight, if the city of Columbus were to move to Franklinton, construction done to highways and major roads will need to be done. (It’s already construction season in Columbus three out of four times a year.)

Next up is the Columbus Brewery District. Two problems. First, it’s severely landlocked. Second, in order to build a soccer-specific stadium in that area, you would literally have to wipe out the whole district.

Arena District? Yeah, okay.

As for the Columbus Arena District? I laugh. Reason? Well, there’s a lot. The area currently holds Huntington Park (home of the Triple-A baseball affiliate of the Cleveland Indians), Nationwide Arena (home to concerts and the NHL team Columbus Blue Jackets), The Greater Columbus Convention Center, and so much more. Just like the Brewery District, it’s landlocked and nowhere for it to be put.

Last but not least, Suburban Columbus. This means Pickerington, Gahanna, Dublin areas. Ya know rich areas. In my opinion, the drives to Dublin and Pickerington are already bad enough. Next, high price houses = higher priced tickets. That won’t settle well with fans.

Suggestions?

I hope that all this will not become a reality. However, I do suggest renovations be done to the current stadium. Such as fixing up the bathrooms, concessions, a roof, etc. And while we’re at it, take out the medal bleachers and replace them with club seats. (Except the Nordecke. Don’t mess with them.)