Crew’s Hell is Real Week heats up Sunday’s home rivalry matchup vs. FC Cincinnati

COLUMBUS – In preparation for Sunday’s Hell is Real Derby, presented by Tipico Sportsbook, the Columbus Crew this week are heating up the rivalry with engaging events and moments for supporters throughout Central Ohio ahead of their home match against FC Cincinnati [7:30 p.m. ET / Free to watch on Apple TV / FS1; 97.1 The Fan (English); La Mega 103.1 FM (Spanish)].

The Crew’s Hell is Real Week is focused on building anticipation and excitement with Black & Gold fans and the city for this weekend’s sold-out rivalry matchup, the team’s 10th consecutive MLS sellout and 11th overall at Lower.com Field in 2023, plus its Leagues Cup group stage game against Club América. Both the streak and total number of capacity crowds are all-time franchise records.

“We are extremely proud to represent Columbus throughout the year, and Hell is Real Week and this match are incredible opportunities to highlight how the passion of our Club, our supporters and our city are completely unrivaled,” said President of Business Operations Kristin Bernert. “It’s a weeklong celebration of Central Ohio where the energy will be maxed out during Sunday’s match, which will have plenty of special moments for our fans.”

“Winning the Hell is Real derby is most important to our supporters, and our fans can play a key role by continuing to show their passion at Lower.com Field this entire week as we increase excitement by engaging them in innovative, meaningful ways,” said President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “While we are always striving to win each and every match, rivalry matches provide special atmospheres for our players, coaches, staff and supporters.”

To open Sunday’s festivities, the Crew and supporters will “March to the Match” from Battelle Plaza to Lower.com Field at 5:30 p.m. The group will then welcome the Black & Gold during team arrivals at the West Lobby at approximately 6 p.m.

Starting 96 minutes before kickoff, Crew supporters can gather and celebrate with food and drink specials and fun activations at The Pub and Chase Plaza. In addition to popular weekly elements, Music Columbus’ MoJo Flow and the Divas! will entertain with live music, plus fans can cast their vote in the Hell is Real Hot Sauce Tasting Contest featuring four local businesses. One supporter who participates will be selected to win a bottle of the contestants’ sauces and Crew-themed memorabilia.

Prior to kickoff, RJD2 – a well-known artist from Columbus who has performed throughout the country – will begin spinning tracks as the Crew’s in-stadium DJ to hype up the crowd throughout the Hell is Real match.

The Black & Gold will once again spark excitement with a unique Match Ignitor for Sunday’s contest. The Match Ignitor was introduced to the team’s pre-match elements for each game in 2023 to celebrate notable leaders in Columbus prior kickoff.

Additionally, supporters will be able get their own taste of the Hell is Real matchup with food and beverage offerings crafted specifically for the rivalry game at Lower.com Field.

Starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, the Club will host its inaugural Hell is Real Pig Roast prior to Crew 2’s “Heck is Plausible” derby against FC Cincinnati 2 at Historic Crew Stadium [6 p.m. ET, / MLS Season Pass on Apple TV]. Crew 2 General Manager Corey Wray and select First Team players who helped the team claim the first MLS NEXT Pro Cup are expected to participate in the pre-match ceremonies. To elevate the matchday experience, the Crew are offering free entry to the game for fans, who can enjoy the Pig Roast with a $15 ticket that includes a pulled pork sandwich, two sides, water and entertainment.

The Hell is Real Pig Roast is a nod to the Kentucky-bordering city’s “Porkopolis” moniker born from its position in the pork and meat-packing industry during the 19th century, as well as its population’s current fascination with flying pigs (which for clarity, do not exist). Cap City will celebrate its Club and supporters during the event while looking to cap the weekend with two home victories.

The Crew in partnership with Tipico Sportsbook on Friday installed a replica Hell is Real sign (12’ x 9’) at Battelle Plaza, which also features information on next Sunday’s match. Fans are encouraged to post photos with the sign on social media and include #Crew96 for a chance to win one of five signed "The Catch" shirts.

In addition to Battelle Plaza, the Crew have procured Hell is Real promotional signage on the digital board located at the corner of High and State Streets, as well as various boards in the region. In total, there will be 30 billboards in place across Central Ohio during the week ahead of the derby.

The Columbus Crew in partnership with American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive (Aug. 1-25), presented by OhioHealth, throughout Central Ohio as part of a competition with FC Cincinnati to help save lives in the Buckeye State.

The winners of the inaugural Crew vs. FC Cincinnati Blood Drive Competition will receive a new trophy, co-designed by each club’s supporters group, that will spend the next year in the hometown of the club with the most donations.

The Black & Gold and American Red Cross are formally activating on select dates at five Central Ohio locations, where donors will receive commemorative “I Bleed Black and Gold” t-shirts, while supplies last.

From 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Crew supporters can donate blood at Lower.com Field. The event will also feature games, treats provided by United Dairy Farmers and more.

Purchase tickets to a match and join us for a world-class experience at Lower.com Field.