Buckeye Reporter

Governor DeWine has announced that the Ohio Expositions Commission has approved enhancements to the facilities at the Historic Crew Stadium and Ohio Health Performance Center. The Columbus Crew has been granted permission to construct two additional practice fields, which will expand the leased area by approximately 8.8 acres.

""Just as the Ohio State Fair is an ingrained part of the culture of our state, the Crew is also a point of pride in Ohio," said Governor DeWine. "The commission’s vote today will not only support our 2023 Major League Soccer Cup Champions, but it will improve fairgoers’ experience by creating an increase in available parking during the fair each summer," DeWine added.

According to a press release, as part of this newly approved lease addendum, the Columbus Crew has committed to paying additional annual rent and will make its parking facilities at Historic Crew Stadium available during the Ohio State Fair. This move is intended to ensure ample parking for fair visitors. Angela Krile, chair of the Ohio Expositions Commission, highlighted the importance of using available land strategically to provide exceptional event spaces and secure sufficient parking for various activities throughout the year.

In this context, Krile spoke about the fair's agricultural roots and its role in connecting urban visitors with agriculture. She said: "Ensuring that we strategically utilize the land that we have to provide outstanding event spaces and safe, sufficient parking to support those events is critical." She assured that efforts are being made to maintain existing parking capacity efficiently while exploring opportunities for expansion and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance visitor and exhibitor experiences.

The press release also noted that over the past five years, DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly have invested significantly in the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair. The resolution announced today marks a milestone in ongoing discussions, ensuring that these grounds will undergo significant upgrades as part of Expo 2050 project. This project involves a historic investment of $260 million and aims to enhance the fair experience for all Ohioans.

Adam Sharp, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Farm Bureau, expressed satisfaction with the plan outlined by DeWine and the Ohio Expo Commission in the press release. He commended the successful achievement of maintaining the integrity of Expo Center and State Fair operations while addressing stakeholders' needs. This includes expanding parking capacity, a positive outcome resulting from ongoing investments in site improvements. Sharp also conveyed the Ohio Farm Bureau's eagerness to collaborate with Governor DeWine, legislators, and the Expo Commission to fully realize these plans.

The press release further stated that construction of new practice fields at Historic Crew Stadium is set to begin in early 2024, aiming for completion before the July MLS All-Star Game in Columbus. Columbus Crew President Tim Bezbatchenko expressed pride in his team's achievements and acknowledged the support from the Ohio Expositions Commission and Governor DeWine for this lease addendum. The initiative not only fulfills the Crew's vision for their facility but also reinforces their commitment to youth soccer by providing enhanced access for local leagues and the Crew Academy.