New York City FC take on the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this Saturday.
For this edition of 'The Away End' presented by Berkeley College & Rennert International, we spoke to Dan White, a member of the Columbus Fan Council.
Hi Dan, thanks for speaking with us. How long have you been a fan of the Columbus Crew?
My family was one of the first families to sign up in 1995 for season tickets to the Crew. We grew up playing soccer and by that time the five of us siblings were all teenagers and needed a family activity to bring us together. We became instant die-hard fans. In 2016, my father let his season tickets expire, but I started my membership the year we Saved the Crew. I am a member of the Nordecke supporters group and the Crew Fan Council.
What has been your highlight in that time?
There are a few core memories that stand out in nearly 30 years of the Crew. The opening of Crew Stadium in 1999 and Lower.com Field in 2021 were big moments that brought the Crew to another level with each of their first games. The MLS Cups are always these out-of-body moments for a fan. My siblings and I have been to every MLS cup match for the Crew (even the 2020 socially-distanced one). The number one highlight, however, is saving the Crew. The way that the fanbase pulled together to connect the politicians, business leaders, media, and supporters from across the league to the cause of #SaveTheCrew is unmatched in modern sports.
What are your thoughts on the 2024 season so far?
This is the "golden age" of the Columbus Crew. We will remember it like Chicago remembers the 1990s Chicago Bulls or the Cincinnati Reds "Big Red Machine" of the 1970s. It is rare that an ownership group, GM, coach, and players all buy into the vision AND have the talent to back it up.
What are your hopes for the rest of the 2024 season?
In Columbus, our dreams are always massive. With a CONCACAF Champions Cup final and now a Leagues Cup in the trophy case, we have the Campeones Cup and MLS Cup in our sights. Long term, the simplest hopes are to keep Cucho and Coach Nancy for as long as we can.
What do you think will be the deciding factor in Saturday's game?
First, the Crew's crowded schedule will mean tired legs coming off of Leagues Cup final and travel to Philly midweek and coming home for Saturday's match with NYCFC. This could mean some rotation and a different looking starting lineup for the Crew. We will look for some fresh legs to step up and make a mark going into the final stretch of the season. Second, NYCFC's Wolf, Martinez, and Rodriguez are dangerous players to watch out for. If they are on their "A" game, then the Crew defenders will be busy. Of course, Maxi Moralez also needs to be respected everywhere he is on the field.
And for any fans that might be in Columbus for a game in the near future are there any spots you'd suggest?
Columbus Crew fans are famously friendly. Lower.com Field is located in the Nationwide Arena District with lots of walkable restaurants and bars. Most of these are within the DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) as well. Browsing and nibbles are best at the North Market. Wario's Beef and Pork is a must stop for some of the best sandwiches in the region. Betty's Bar near the stadium is a great final stop before heading in for the game. Late night after the game, Mikey's Late Night Slice is solid for pizza (hot tip: the Mikey's at 457 N High has a speakeasy in the basement).
