COLUMBUS, Ohio — Crew fans waited years for a new downtown stadium and on Saturday night finally got to see it for the first time.

The team came from behind and tied the New England Revolution in front of a sell-out crowd.

What You Need To Know

  • After 650 days of construction, Lower.com hosted its first-ever Columbus Crew game

  • The sell-out crowd of over 20,000 fans brought the energy for the inaugural match

  • Team supporters said after almost losing the team several years ago, seeing the new stadium is even sweeter

  • The stadium includes a beer garden, team shop and restaurant

​​But before the game started, the energy around the stadium was electric as the Nordecke marched to the match.

“That’s literally the first time seeing it in person and I’m glad I have glasses on because I’ve got tears running down my eyes right now," said Cody Topp, a Crew fan who is also a part of the Nordecke.

Topp, who's been a Crew supporter for the past five years, said remembering what he and other fans had to go through to get to this point made the moment even sweeter.

“(They) tried to put it on the fans, the narrative that we were not willing to support the club, but we were out here day and night. But now, we have the fans for this," he said.

The sell-out crowd of 20,000 brought the energy for the reigning MLS Cup Champions. 

“We deserve this and it’s amazing," Topp said.

Lower.com Field was under construction for 650 days. The stadium includes a team shop, a beer garden and a restaurant.

Topp said through all the ups and downs to get here, he hopes that these players feel all the energy and love from each fan.

“We’re ready to give it our all and see them give it all for us," he said.

The Crew's next game is the Hell is Real match at FC Cincinnati. The team's next home game is Saturday, July 17.