Columbus Crew Hosts Chicago Fire for Goosebumps Night Showdown

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Crew kicks off its 30th season this Saturday as it hosts Chicago Fire FC at Lower.com Field. The match, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET, is preceded by a special Goosebumps™ Night celebration, featuring Ohio State University‘s national champions Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate as the match ignitors.

Fans arriving at Lower.com Field can expect exciting giveaways, with all attendees receiving a Goosebumps™ winter beanie courtesy of Nationwide. The Crew has curated a unique matchday experience, encouraging supporters to arrive early to enjoy various activities and amenities.

For those planning to attend, it’s crucial to be aware of the anticipated traffic in the Arena District due to concurrent events. Specifically, the Columbus Blue Jackets will also be playing at Nationwide Arena at 7 p.m. Fans coming from the North Lot can utilize the newly opened North Gate located behind Nordecke for more convenient access.

Matchday attendance is expected to be high, and security measures will be in place. Attendees are reminded that large bags are not permitted, with exceptions made for diaper bags, medical bags, and small bags measuring less than 5 inches by 8 inches by 1 inch. All bags will be subject to inspection. Prohibited items include empty bottles, professional camera equipment, and food or beverages.

On the field, the Crew aims to bounce back from a disappointing penalty shootout loss to New York Red Bulls in their last outing. Despite this setback, the team brings a positive recent form into the match, with three wins in their last five games. Columbus will be without players Rudy Camacho, Nicholas Hagen, Lassi Lappalainen, and Taha Habroune due to injuries.

Meanwhile, Chicago Fire FC enters the match seeking to reverse a troubling streak of five winless games. Their most recent match ended in a 3-0 defeat against Nashville SC. With concerns mounting over the team’s form, they will look to turn their fortunes around against a determined Columbus Crew.

Fans unable to attend can catch the action via Alt 105.7 FM and the iHeartRadio app in English or La Mega Columbus 107.1/103.1 FM for a Spanish broadcast.

The theme for this match is a nod to R.L. Stine, author of the Goosebumps series, with the Crew players wearing a special kit featuring UV-activated technology, marking a historic first for MLS.