It’s official – Columbus will host the 2024 Major League Soccer All-Star Game.
The city hosted MLS’ mid-summer showcase event in 2000 and 2005, but next year’s game will be the first at Lower.com Field, which opened in July 2021.
In announcing the game Wednesday, MLS Soccer Commissioner Don Garber called Columbus a “passionate, important soccer city,” in the region and said the All-Star showcase is a “crown jewel event” for “a crown jewel city.”
MLS All-Stars will take on a top international team — to be announced at a later date — on July 17, 2024.
In addition to the game, the Columbus Crew and the city of Columbus will host a week-long celebration of soccer and culture, with concerts, fan events, community programming and additional soccer competitions, including the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge.
"So today, with the announcement of the All-Star Game, we're able to shine a light on Columbus. It's going to be a huge light,” said Dee Haslam, who owns the Crew with her husband, Jimmy Haslam.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called the announcement “a great day” for Ohio and Columbus.
“The sports world will be watching. It’ll be watching Columbus, Ohio. And that’s just a great, great thing,” DeWine said.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said that this is about more than just soccer.
“It’s been about promoting shared progress and inclusive prosperity, broadening and deepening the Crew’s connection to Columbus,” Ginther said.
He noted that recently Columbus has hosted ASAE, PCMA, the International City Manager’s Association and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
“All conferences and events that we would have never dreamed of hosting in Columbus 10 or 15 years ago,” Ginther said. “Now, to be adding the MLS All-Star game to that long list, there is an incredible momentum building here in our city and our community.”
Lower.com Field will also host at least two of the Crew’s 2023 Leagues Cup matches this summer, including St. Louis City SC at 7:30 p.m. on July 23 and Club America at 8 p.m. on July 31.
