COLUMBUS – As part of their commitment to creating fan-focused experiences during all matchdays at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the Columbus Crew’s 2026 home schedule features 16 theme nights, complementing the Black & Gold’s exciting soccer on the pitch and supporters’ passion for their team. This year’s calendar features fan-favorite traditions and first-time motifs that offer an immersive experience throughout the entire season.
The year begins with the return of Crewsmas - the supporter-driven tradition during the first home match of the year -- for the home opener against Chicago Fire FC on Saturday, March 7. All fans in attendance will once again receive winter beanies, courtesy of Nationwide. The Black & Gold remain at home the following week for Stay in the Game! Night, presented by AEP and Bread Financial, against Nashville SC on Saturday, March 14. The Stay in the Game! Attendance Network works to campaign, connect and convene with experts and supporters to dramatically improve attendance for Ohio students, including partnerships reaching more than 31 districts and 140,000 students in Central Ohio. More than 500 students and educators from 15 partner districts will be hosted at Scotts Miracle-Gro Field and integrated into key matchday moments—from plaza activations and the First Kick Kid to Hometown Hero recognition and beyond—reinforcing the Club’s leadership at the intersection of sport, education, and community impact. Specialty ticket packages will be available for the match that include a Crew Cat plush toy.
In April, the Crew debut Harry Potter Night against Orlando City SC on Sunday, April 12. The magical night incorporates wizarding world elements and ticket offerings that include Harry Potter-themed Crew scarves. Fans will be able to choose a specific scarf from one of the four Hogwarts houses, as quantities remain available. Later in the month, Star Wars Night, presented by Vertiv, returns against the LA Galaxy on Wednesday, April 22. Supporters will be able to purchase tickets accompanied by a limited-edition Crew-Star Wars Homage shirt. The month concludes against Philadelphia Union, presented by ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Saturday, April 25. Prior to 2026, the Club and ScottsMiracle-Gro Company expanded their 15-plus year partnership, highlighted by a multi-year agreement for stadium naming rights.
The Black & Gold begin May with Kids Mental Health Night, in partnership with The Kids Mental Health Foundation, proudly founded by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, on Saturday, May 2 against Minnesota United FC. Columbus continues its support of children’s mental health by inviting fans to join together on Sunday, May 31 to run or walk the 2026 5K for Kids’ Mental Health hosted by the Crew with lead support from founding partner and Crew jersey partner Nationwide and presenting sponsor Bread Financial. Following three consecutive road matches, the Black & Gold come home for International Send-Off Night, presented by Ticketmaster, on Sunday, May 24 versus Atlanta United FC, when players and communities can celebrate as they prepare to fully experience this summer’s World Cup while MLS pauses play for the global tournament.
Following the break, Columbus Crew return to their fortress for Hometown Proud Night, presented by OhioHealth, on Wednesday, July 22 against NYCFC. Supporters are encouraged to help create a sea of gold by participating in the third annual stadium-wide “Gold Out” at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Fans will be treated to an evening of fireworks following the match. The Hell is Real Derby, presented by TourismOhio, returns just three days later on Saturday, July 25 as the Black & Gold host rivals FC Cincinnati.
After back-to-back road matches to start August, Columbus will introduce Video Game Night, presented by Zenni, on Wednesday, Aug. 19 against CF Montréal. The Black & Gold are celebrating Soccer For All, presented by JPMorgan Chase, during their match against New England Revolution on Saturday, Aug. 29. The Crew are dedicated to supporting the Columbus community through their education and youth soccer initiatives, and the team’s Soccer For All initiative further highlights how the Club brings people from all walks of life and experiences together through soccer, the world’s sport that transcends all borders and demographics.
In September, the Crew premiere Grateful Dead Night on Saturday, Sept. 5 against the Colorado Rapids. Supporters will be able to purchase tickets accompanied by a limited-edition Crew-Grateful Dead button-up tie-dye shirt. In honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Black & Gold will celebrate First Responders Appreciation Night, presented by AEP, on Saturday, Sept. 12 against Red Bull New York. The Crew’s match against Inter Miami CF on Sunday, Sept. 27 will highlight Latino Celebration, presented by Sherwin-Williams. The match will recognize and embrace Latino heritage and culture in Columbus and beyond through music, food and more as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
On Wednesday, Oct. 14 against Charlotte FC, the Crew will celebrate Black & Glow Night, presented by Cenovus Energy. The match will highlight the Goosebumps™ Kit that celebrates Columbus’ own R.L. Stine, the writer of the globally recognized Goosebumps™ series. Later in October, the Black & Gold celebrate Crew Throwback Night, presented by Nature Made, on Saturday, Oct. 24 against Toronto FC. The match celebrates the storied history of MLS’ first club with specialty ticket packages that include a throwback Crew metal lunchbox. On Saturday, Oct. 31, Columbus’ regular season finale will once again be Fan Appreciation Night. The Black & Gold’s match theme will embody their year-round appreciation for supporters against the DC United with fan tributes, giveaways and more.
Crew Season Ticket Memberships for 2026 are currently available, highlighted by guaranteed access to all Black & Gold home matches at the best full-season prices; a complimentary Apple TV subscription; exclusive member-only events; a discount at the Crew Shop; presale opportunities for events at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Historic Crew Stadium and Huntington Bank Field; and more. Fans interested in more information on Season Ticket Memberships are encouraged to email seasontickets@columbuscrew.com or visit www.columbuscrew.com/tickets/memberships.
The first club in MLS history, the Crew host Chicago Fire FC for the home opener at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. Fans can secure single-match tickets to the Crew-Fire matchup via www.columbuscrew.com/tickets.
