Crew Last In MLS Attendance For First Time, Prompting Questions On Stadium Location

The Crew are "dead last" in MLS attendance this season, averaging 14,139 fans at Mapfre Stadium, marking the "first time the Crew has sat at the bottom of the rankings," according to Miranda Tomlinson of COLUMBUS BUSINESS FIRST. Crew President of Business Operations Andy Loughnane said that the "number of season ticket holders also is down." He noted the season ticket base has "dropped" 15% from last season. There was a "moderate increase in ticket prices this season." But Loughnane said that is "likely not a factor in the attendance drop." Tomlinson wrote the question "everyone's asking is whether the team will leave Mapfre Stadium." Loughnane said, “League studies and recent data have shown that downtown stadiums become a critical ingredient to long-term success.” Mapfre Stadium is nearly four miles from downtown Columbus. Loughnane said that "improving the fan experience and overall atmosphere of the 18-year-old stadium remains a primary objective" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 7/17).