MLS Crew To Develop Indoor Training Facility, Soccer Park

The MLS Crew have hired Columbus-based Pizzuti Cos. “to develop an indoor training center and soccer park” in central Ohio that would be a “showplace for the sport,” according to Mike Pramik of the COLUMBUS DISPATCH. The plan would include up to 16 soccer fields next to an indoor practice facility for the franchise. The “potential for a development project such as this was part of what lured” Crew coach Sigi Schmid to sign with the team in October ’05. Pizzuti Cos. President Joel Pizzuti said, “It will be a driver of youth and adult soccer from all over the state, really from the Midwest region. This type of facility is popping up in a lot of [MLS] markets around the country.” Crew GM Mark McCullen added that the team is “basing its concept in part on” Pizza Hut Park in Dallas, which has 17 fields next to a 21,000-seat soccer-specific stadium (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 11/10).