“Game-changer”: Columbus Crew open new world-class training facility

SCG Fields, LLC was contracted to design and build the new training facility. Specific scope of work items included laser grading the surface subgrade, installation of field drainage, automated irrigation system, hydronic field heating system, SubAir aeration system, playing field gravel, sand rootzone, and Kentucky Bluegrass sod.

The Columbus Crew officially moved into their new training facility, the OhioHealth Performance Center.

The state-of-the-art venue – which is located adjacent to Historic Crew Stadium – stands at 42,000 feet and houses the club’s soccer operations, ranging from the academy to the first team.

The OhioHealth Performance Center includes four fields and eight locker rooms, including two natural grass surfaces that are supported by hydronic heating and SubAir systems. There’s also a full-service kitchen and dining area, a recovery room, a hydrotherapy area, lounges, and training and equipment rooms.

 “I’m at a loss for words,” head coach Caleb Porter said. “I’ve been following the process of this facility for over a year now and I’ve seen the pictures and have toured it from time to time. But to actually see it right now as a finished product, it’s indescribable

“It’s really humbling to know this is your workplace and where the players will be able to train. This is where I’m going to be able to have my office and work on a day-to-day basis. It’s just really humbling to know ownership stepped up and allowed our players and our coaching staff and our performance staff and our front office to have a facility like this. I’ve been around the world and I’ve seen some of the best facilities in the world. This is as good of a facility as I’ve ever seen. It’s going to be a game-changer.