MLS Columbus Crew SC

Columbus Crew's Home, Lower.com Field, Named Winner of 2021 James B. Recchie Design Award

Published on October 8, 2021 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS - Columbus Crew is pleased to announce that Columbus Landmarks this week named Lower.com Field, Columbus Crew's new, modern home in Downtown Columbus, as the recipient of the 2021 James B. Recchie Design Award. The annual recognition is given in honor of the late James B. Recchie, a founding trustee of Columbus Landmarks, and awarded to projects that exemplify design excellence. Lower.com Field - which broke ground on October 10, 2019 and held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 29, 2021 - was designed by HNTB and MKSK.

"We are humbled to have Lower.com Field be recognized by Columbus Landmarks for this prestigious award and to be recognized among other elite finalists in Central Ohio," said Columbus Crew Executive Vice President & Chief Business Officer Steve Lyons. "This honor, along with the community's positive reception to Lower.com Field, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of countless individuals across our design, architecture and construction team partners who worked tirelessly to bring the vision of the Haslam, Johnson and Edwards families to life. At its inception, our modern new stadium design was done with incredible thought and meticulous detail. Its design not only reflects the forward thinking and innovation of Columbus, it delivers on our promise to provide open and accessible community spaces and the absolute best experience for our fans."

Lower.com Field, located in Astor Park, is a soccer-specific stadium that serves as the home of the Columbus Crew. The new stadium is located at the center of the mixed-use Astor Park development downtown in the Arena District. The stadium seats 20,371 spectators and includes 30 suites and 1,900 club seats. Features also include 3,356 safe-standing seats in the Nordecke, the team's supporters' section; 220,000-square foot canopy that covers every seat in the stadium and is designed to keep noise in; a sunken field; a beer garden; The Pub; high-definition scoreboards; a frictionless matchday experience; and two sensory rooms. The plaza at the southeast corner establishes the connection to the downtown area, while a new pedestrian bridge connects the area to the Olentangy bike path. The overall stadium was designed to reflect the city's innovative spirit.

The three-member jury appreciated the design team's attention to detail, including the public spaces outside the gates, as well as those for the most loyal fans. The integration of the site, connecting to the City via the Olentangy bike trail and a public plaza, was noted for creating community beyond those who are passionate about soccer.

The 2021 award jurors were Christie Angel, President and CEO, YWCA Columbus; Dorothee Imbert, Director of the Knowlton School of Architecture, Professor of Landscape Architecture, OSU; and Michael Paplow, AIA, Vice President and Principal, FMS Architects.

The four other finalists for this year's award were Budd Dairy, the Mirror Lake District at OSU, Rise Brands HQ, and The Gravity Project.

Lower.com Field is set to host the United States Men's National Team's 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Costa Rica on Wednesday, October 13 [7:00 p.m. ET / ESPN2, UniMas, TUDN]. The Black & Gold then return to MLS regular-season action when they host Inter Miami CF on Saturday, October 16 [6:00 p.m. ET / Bally Sports Great Lakes, Bally Sports App (Stream) / 97.1 The Fan & 971TheFan.com (English); ColumbusCrew.com (Spanish)].

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