The offseason is only two days old, but Columbus Crew SC has already announced plans for the 2017 preseason. The Black & Gold will participate in the Carolina Challenge Cup preseason tournament in February in preparation for the start of the Major League Soccer regular season.

The Cup, which will be in its 13th version after taking a year off in 2016, will feature three MLS sides along with the hosts, United Soccer Leagues’ Charleston Battery, in the Seattle Sounders and expansion club Atlanta United as well as Crew SC. The tournament will be held at MUSC Health Stadium in Charleston, S.C.

This preseason will mark the fourth time Columbus has competed in the Challenge Cup. Crew SC won the first ever tournament in 2004 and took part in 2005 and 2012. The Black & Gold hold a 3-2-2 record in the Cup.

Per the club’s press release: Tickets for the 2017 Carolina Challenge Cup will be available for purchase beginning on November 25. Single-game tickets start at $30 and series passes start at $60. Special rates for groups of 15 or more are available. To purchase on November 25th, visit charlestonbattery.com. Tickets will be available for purchase over the phone starting November 28 by calling the Charleston Battery box office, 843-971-4625.

A complete 2017 preseason schedule for Crew SC will be released at a later date.

Carolina Challenge Cup Schedule

Saturday, February 18

Charleston Battery vs. Columbus Crew SC (4:30 p.m.)

Atlanta United vs. Seattle Sounders (7 p.m.)

Wednesday, February 22

Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew SC (5 p.m.)

Charleston Battery vs. Seattle Sounders (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, February 25

Seattle Sounders vs. Columbus Crew SC (4:30 p.m.)

Charleston Battery vs. Atlanta United (7 p.m.)