The growth of soccer can partially be measured by the number of soccer-specific stadiums being built in America. As of 2025, 22 of the 30 MLS clubs and 11 of the 24 USL clubs have their own soccer-specific stadium. Major markets like New York City, Chicago, and Miami are investing hundreds of millions of dollars into new state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadiums that are all set to open in the next couple of years. This dedicated infrastructure is a true testament to the growing popularity and stability of the sport. It also provides an opportunity for me to travel to new places, experience a match at every stadium, and provide a review for you. So that’s what I’ll do. Throughout this series, I will provide a review of every MLS stadium I visit based on the following criteria:

1. Location
2. Matchday Experience
3. Supporters Section/Atmosphere
4. Concessions
5. Stadium Aesthetics

I will rate each criterion on a scale of 1-5, which will then provide an overall score out of 25. First up is my home stadium, Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. Now remember, this is an unbiased page, so what you are about to read is my absolutely 100% unbiased, in no way favorited, opinion on a stadium I often go to.

1. Location: 4.5/5
   
   The location of Lower.com Field is prime. It’s one of three professional sports stadiums in an area that is called “The Arena District” in downtown Columbus. The Arena District provides a beautiful landscape of brick roads and trees along the sidewalks. The stadium is just a short walk from other entertainment like bars and restaurants, which provide plenty of things to do before or after the game. The only reason I give the location a 4.5 and not a full 5 is because it is sometimes difficult to get to and from the stadium if you are driving. I do believe this is something that will get fixed over time as they continue to do construction around the stadium, but for now it could be a slight hassle.
   
   
2. Matchday Experience: 5/5
   
   I gotta give it to them. The Crew know how to provide an amazing matchday experience. I have seen live performances of “Can’t help but falling in love with you” being played on a piano on a stage that was blowing massive bubbles, an acapella group performing “Highway to Hell” while wearing dark hooded cloaks before the Hell is Real darby with FC Cincinnati, and a spooky performance debuting their “Goosebumps” kits commemorating R.L Stein. All before the match even started. Their entire pre-game activities are always on point and they know how to get the crowd fired up for the match.
   
   
3. Supporters Section/Atmosphere: 5/5
   
   Columbus absolutely has one of the best fan bases in all of MLS. The Nordecke never fails to show up to matches and always provides great energy. Their chants are well-organized and have a good flow. When the Crew scores a goal, they fill the stadium with yellow colored smoke, they wave flags in the air, and they even bring out a jackhammer to jackhammer a brick that has the other team’s logo on it. The energy in that stadium after they score a goal is hard to compare to anything else. However, there is one moment that stands out from them all. As the players walk out onto the pitch for pregame introductions, the Nordecke leads the entire stadium in singing a homemade version of “Can’t help but falling in love with Crew (you)”. There’s just something about a large group of 20k+ people singing in unison that just hits differently.
   
   
4. Concessions: 4/5
   
   If it weren’t for the local food options in the stadium, this score would probably be lower. A huge plus is that they have local spots like Condado tacos, Swenson’s burgers, and Dirty Franks hot dogs available in the stadium. The typical stadium food that you get at the generic concession stands is subpar, and I don’t recommend getting anything from there. Another major plus is that they offer a good number of beers from local breweries. Their prices are fairly relative to other stadium prices and overall have a good variety to choose from.
   
   
5. Stadium Aesthetics: 5/5
   
   Simply put, the stadium is beautiful. When you walk or drive up to the stadium, you go under a train overpass and are immediately greeted with this beautiful plaza, where there is outdoor picnic tables, concessions, activities for kids, and sometimes even a live band playing on stage. The stadium is covered by a 220,000 square foot black perforated canopy that is designed to protect the fans from the weather while keeping the field completely open. The stadium seats have a cool multi-colored pattern, there’s two jumbotrons that can be seen from any part of the stadium, and the pitch always looks to be in perfect shape. The stadium is generally kept very clean and it is has an overall comfortable feeling while inside.
   

Total Score: 23.5/25

Overall, Lower.com Field is an incredible stadium and a must-see if you are an MLS fan. With the rich history of the club having the first ever soccer-specific stadium in America and the first to have a SECOND soccer-specific stadium (lol), it’s no wonder that they went all out with this stadium and made it one of the premier soccer-specific stadiums in all of America.