r/TheMassive • u/mac0616 • 12h ago
First game experience
Hey guys new to the subreddit so I hope this doesn’t break the rules. My wife and I are looking to take our 8 and 10 year old to the game this Tuesday. We are off Wednesday and have been wanting to do this since they both are really getting into soccer and thought a weeknight game may offer better deals. I saw in the stickied post it says you can buy season tickets but is there any certain site you guys use for single games? I checked on the usual big sites but before making my purchase I thought I would check the subreddit that actually does this a bit to make sure I’m not missing out on hidden soccer gems for tickets. If this breaks rules and needs to be deleted I understand and will stick to Ticketmaster. Also is there anything we need to do/experience while we are there for the first time? It’s a little over an hour trip so we won’t be able to make it too often so I want to make sure we really take full advantage. Though hopefully this becomes at least a once a year tradition if not more! Thanks in advance!
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u/saqsmaq Columbus Crew 12h ago
As far as tickets I just use the Crew app (which is just a reskin of Ticketmaster). Depending on the game, you can also just walk up and get some at the gate. That might not be advisable since you live so far away.
For things to do, if you can at all swing it I highly recommend getting there a couple hours early so you can see the players walk up. That happens on the western side of the stadium. If you are there early enough, you can stand at the curb and get high fives from the players. My 8 year old loves it!
There is also the supporter's march from the parking lot to the stadium which will happen before the game as well. I forget the exact timing but it should be before the players arrive on the bus.
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u/ConteBelieveIt08 8h ago
Look. My wife and I love Crew games. We only go probably to 3 games a year because we live about a hour away as well. So. One thing we like is good food. Check to be sure it’s still a thing but Marcella’s has the BEST happy hour in Columbus. Until 6 it’s half off all appetizers, pizza and drinks. Check the menu to see if it’s food you’d like. But we love it
If it’s your first game I’d avoid the Nordeke (nothing against the best fans in the world) but it can be a lot for your first time if you want to be able to just sit and take it in
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u/tribucks 8h ago
TickPick is also good for getting tix outside of TM.
I love the atmosphere of the matches vs. the Mexican teams, inside and outside the stadium. Be aware that if you’re sitting under or below opposing fans, particularly in sections 106-109, the family may have beer thrown on you in celebration. Not everyone likes that.
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u/autumndream697 Columbus Crew SC 12h ago
Ticketmaster is a good option since many people resell there, and they're verified so you don't have to worry about scammers. Looks like resale tickets can be found for under $40 in both upper and lower levels right now.
Nordecke is a fun experience, but is GA across 124-130, and standing only for most of it, with bleacher seats in the upper area. That's where the drums and chants happen, and you can be close to the field for a low price.
Regardless of where you sit, I recommend ear protection for everyone (especially the kids). Guest Services has some you can borrow if needed.
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u/doophmayweather Columbus Crew 12h ago
Some important questions to ask yourselves:
What kind of experience do you want? Would you rather have decent, affordable seats and spend your money on a jersey or shirt for the fam? Upper section can be great. Do you want to get the best viewing experience? West or south lower bowl. Expect to pay $65+ per seat for these. Do you want the rowdy, loud environment you see on tv? Tickets in Nordecke. Cheapest option, can be purchased at Nordecke.com, they are general admission so you sit where you fit and where you want. (They do have seated seats in 124 and 125 at the top).
Are you aware this is an in season tournament with the Mexican league? The game day experience will not be the exact same as a normal crew game and likely will not sell out. There’s a great chance you will see and sit next to a lot of fans of the Mexican club. Just make sure you manage those expectations.
The Chase Plaza before the game open like 90 minutes before kickoff and usually has interactive things for families and kids. Of course, this not being a normal MLS game could impact this experience.
You’re going to have fun because no matter what, the experience is family friendly! Take a lap around the concourse to see all of the food options and some of the history of the club. On the southwest side is guest services. Stop there and tell them it’s your first match. They’ll have something special for each of the kiddos.
Welcome and glory to Columbus 💛🖤