Columbus Crew SC announces 2018 match promotions

Columbus Crew SC announced its 2018 matchday promotions on Friday and fans of the Black & Gold will be happy to see both new and old ideas at MAPFRE Stadium this season.

From Crew SC’s press release:

In 2018, the popular Half Price Night promotion returns three times. On those evenings, supporters can enjoy half-off select beers (for supporters ages 21-and-over) Pepsi products, brats and pretzels through the 15th minute. This offer will be available at all permanent concession stands on April 21 against the New England Revolution, on July 21 for Military Appreciation Night against Orlando City SC and on September 22 for Hispanic Heritage Night against the Colorado Rapids.

On March 10, following the match against the Montreal Impact at MAPFRE Stadium, supporters in attendance will receive a 2018 Crew SC Schedule Magnet provided by Kahiki. Happy Hour – featuring select alcoholic beverages at a discounted price for supporters who are 21 years of age or older – will also be returning on March 24 against D.C. United, on April 28 for Superhero Night against the San Jose Earthquakes, on May 12, presented by Kahiki, for Pups at the Pitch Night against the Chicago Fire; on June 13 for Star Wars Night against Atlanta United FC; and on September 29 against the Philadelphia Union.

On March 31 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, MAPFRE Stadium will host a Food & Craft Beer Fest, in which those in attendance will be able to sample 10 craft beer or food tastings from city-wide food trucks & Official Crew SC Beer Partners. There will also be a Craft Beer Fest on September 1 against New York City FC, which will allow supporters to sample 10 craft beer tastings from a variety of Official Crew SC Beer Partners. On June 2 in the Trillium Cup finale against Toronto FC, presented by Acura, Post-Match Penalty Kicks return, allowing kids 14 and under with a match ticket to participate in post-match penalty kicks. June 30 sees the return of Fireworks presented by MAPFRE Insurance, with a fireworks display taking place following the match against Real Salt Lake.

On August 11, animals from the Columbus Zoo visit MAPFRE Stadium for Zoo Night and a mascot game will be played at halftime. Supporters will be able to see the animals on the plaza prior to the match against the Houston Dynamo. Crew SC and MAPFRE Stadium will also host Trick or Treat night ahead of Crew SC’s Decision Day match against Minnesota United on October 28. Supporters are able to wear their Halloween costumes and trick or treat in the plaza before kickoff, but masks continue to be prohibited in accordance with MAPFRE Stadium policy.

On September 29, when the Black & Gold host the Philadelphia Union, Crew SC will commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the 2008 MLS Cup and 2008 Supporters’ Shield. More details will be made available in the future.

New this year, the Bud & Brat Pack will be available on March 24, June 30 and September 22. This new promotion includes two tickets, two bratwursts and two Budweiser or Bud Light beers. Among the ticket packages that return in 2018 is the Dispatch Family Pack – four tickets, four Pepsi products, four hot dogs and four boxes of popcorn – which will be available during the matches on March 31, April 21, May 12, June 9, August 11 and September 29. The Middle West Spirits Pack returns on April 21 and includes a party suite ticket, OYO cocktails and light snacks. Papa John’s Family Pack – four tickets, four Papa John’s pizzas and four Pepsi products – also returns this year and will be available on March 31, June 2, July 21 and September 1. In addition to the promotions and ticket bundles, Season Ticket Members will also have new matchday benefits that will be announced in the near future.

Promotions such as half-price night, military appreciation night and Pups at the Pitch return from last season.

Interestingly, Crew SC brings back Hispanic Heritage Night. This is a promotion of the past that, for unknown reasons, disappeared. The Save The Crew movement questioned this move this offseason, given that one of the reasons provided for the proposed relocation to Austin, Texas was the Hispanic market in the city.

STC rightfully asked why the outreach to the Hispanic community in Columbus, including this promotion, have ceased in recent seasons. Apparently the group’s cry was hear.

There are also more than double the number of promotions this year as opposed to the 2016 season for fans to enjoy.