Are those of you planning on going to this game aready booking hotels? Last year when I got Jamaica tix I also remember AO giving a hotel discount. I'm wondering if that will be the same, or if I should be booking something now?
What is the closest hotel to crew stadium? I'm planning on bringing my 6 1/2 year old son for his first taste of The Rivalry. Stoked.
I booked a room at the Residence Inn Downtown as soon as they announced Columbus...it must be sold out because it does not come up now when I put those dates in. Since I booked it through the hotel I can always cancel if I need to. I would get one now - personally I would rather be downtown than near the stadium ( i think - it is a ways from downtown, correct?).
There is absolutely NO harm in booking hotels. Book yesterday. Book before the location is even announced. You can always cancel ahead of time if it's looking less and less likely that you'll be able to make the trip.
tavo2311: definitely book your hotel ASAP. I believe there is an AO block, but you definitely don't need to stay there, and the group rate isn't always a discount, in as much as it's rooms set aside that can only be booked by group members (this is up to each hotel, and not a reflection of AO). If you're staying downtown, there are lots of hotels close together, so you're bound to run into other people wearing red, white and blue. Also, AO events won't be at a hotel, so you'll be going elsewhere anyway. ttreverett: if you Google map Crew Stadium, and then use the"search nearby" function and look for hotels, the closest is a comfort suites, .8 miles away. But, I would not use proximity as the only factor in selecting a hotel. The stadium is very near OSU's campus, and downtown Columbus not only has the state capital, but also a convention center. As a result, there are plenty of hotel options, for every price point, personal preference, etc. alexspapa: the stadium is about 3.5 miles from downtown. So it's not right next door, but I don't think I'd describe it as "a ways from downtown." Eight years ago, Sams Army kept most of their activities in the Arena District (right by convention center/downtown) at a faux Irish pub and a Gordon Beirsch. It was a good time, and walkable from downtown hotels. Four years ago, I wasn't able to attend, so I am not sure where AO or Sams Army set up. On the first page of this thread, someone mentioned that the AO party the night before would likely be at Fourth Street Bar and Grill, which is closer to the stadium/OSU
True - Always easy to cancel a room up to 48 hours prior. I guess I was waiting so I could see where the US fans would likely have a large group at the same place. I will go get something in the downtown area now.
I'm hoping that someone will be putting together a list of "places to stay/things to do" locally but it is much better to stay downtown that anywhere near the stadium. Downtown/Arena District has a ton of nightlife and things to do. That being said, I am pretty positive that the night before activities will center on Fourth Street Bar which is close to the stadium. It's an easy taxi ride from downtown.
I know that the supporters groups are putting together some more information (particularly in regards to hotels) but this link provides a good stadium guide for CCS. http://wrongsideofthepond.com/2013/...uide-columbus-crew-stadium/#parkingtailgating
And for the hattrick, here is the Columbus Visitors Guide from the Crew Supporters Union website: http://crewunion.com/participate/home-match-days/columbus-visitors-guide/
great info hamburgler... Belo - thanks for the clarification on the location of the stadium...short cab ride sounds like!
The Gold Cup runs through July 28. So, the tickets would go on sale just 5 short weeks before the match day? That would be shocking, but I guess at this point, anything is possible since we've waited this long already.
For those who are looking for a place around the stadium, 4th St Bar and Grill is a great place to go for the pregame as it is maybe a mile walk to the actual gates. I'm actually a regular there so I know a bit about it. Also, being as the 10th is on Tuesday, ALL drinks are 1/2 off at 4th st from top shelf to bottom shelf starting at 3pm. For pregame, the bar should be fine and it's the closest one around. If you want to continue partying after a US victory, I'd recommend finding a new bar for postgame as you won't be able to move once it hits 10:30pm/11pm. For those arriving over the weekend looking to catch some games on tv, this is also one of the better pubs in Columbus as they open early to televise all the Premier League games.
What is there to do in Columbus during the day? A couple of us land at noon the day before and while drinking is always an option, I figure there's gotta be other stuff going on?
But, probably just MLS games that day since it's an official FIFA match day on Friday 9/6. I'm sure there'll be tons of college football on at 4th St., though, with OSU students back in session. Side note for anyone coming in over the weekend...OSU has a home game Saturday 9/7 at 3:30 pm. Visit the North Market downtown for lunch; pickup a pretzel from Brezel. Brew your own beer at North High Brewing in the OSU campus area. Walk the shops, restaurants and Goodale Park green space in the Short North. Browse the Ohio Statehouse Museum Shop, consisting of products all made in Ohio.
North High Brewing sounds great, but then I saw the first two FAQs: I was wondering how they sped up the process, but they don't, so it doesn't seem like it's all that feasible for just a few days in town. Too bad, because I was looking forward to making roughly a keg of Dos a Cero Celebration Ale.
OSU Saturdays are always pretty unreal around here. Head down to the stadium and catch the game (tickets should be available through scalpers). If you aren't heading to the game itself, there is a mass amount of tailgating going on or go to the bars which will be packed. Note to anyone going on campus. They are really strict with "open container." Basically for the most part, if it is in a plastic cup, you are ok. If they even see you pouring it into the plastic cup, it's a ticket. BPL is indeed not playing that weekend. The Columbus Zoo is a nice place to go to spend multiple hours. It's a ways from downtown so might be a bit far if you don't have a car (although I do believe a bus route goes there). Did I mention going to a bar to drink?
Which makes me wonder why it's so lax at CCS. I've walked through the gate with half a beer in my hand, and they let me finish the bottle inside.
I think a lot of this stems from the post-Michigan riots that took place years ago. The OSU President at the time figured it was time to try to clean up the campus and as a result, really cracked down on open container. I agree though, every time I'm at CCS and see one of the police officers driving around, I full expect the SWAT team to swarm on our tailgate. It's amazing what a different atmosphere it is though.
/ If you are coming in on the weekend before you can tour Middle West Spirits at the corner of 5th Ave and High Street in the Short North There is also a new-er Beer Garden called the Pint House in the Short North. I linked to Yelp becuase their website sucks ... and if you are not leaving right after the game Rancid is playing at the Newport Music Hall on 9/12.... and there is a Daft Punk tribute band playing the Friday before the game at the Newport Not sure if it will be in place by the time the game happens but Downtown is looking to put in bicycle rentals. This article is from March but I haven't heard if there has been any progress on this or not.
lol.... I'm not a big Daft Punk fan but I know quite a few people like them. Seemed like everything I was finding to do revolved around drinking so at least this way you can not drink and take some extacy