Columbus Metropolitan Library partners with Columbus Crew

Fans of the Black & Gold could see their team for free if they have a library card

Diego Rossi celebrates with the Nordecke after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Union in Leagues Cup play. Photo by: Ralph Schudel / Massive Report

Are you a fan of reading and soccer? You're in luck! Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has teamed up with the Columbus Crew to offer free matchday tickets through its Culture Pass program.

Thanks to this new partnership, ten Culture Passes will be available in person at CML’s Main Library (96 S Grant Ave) ahead of six select home games this summer. Each pass admits two individuals of any age to the following Crew matches:

• July 19 vs. D.C. United (featuring the Guillermo Barros-Schelotto Circle of Honor Ceremony)

• July 25 vs. Orlando City

• July 29 vs. Toluca

• August 1 vs. Puebla

• August 5 vs. León

• August 23 vs. New England Revolution

The first set of passes for the July 19 match will be available for checkout next week. Passes for each subsequent match will become available the day after the previous game.

What Is the Culture Pass Program?

CML’s Culture Pass program gives cardholders free access to some of Central Ohio’s top cultural attractions — just like checking out a book. Each pass is a one-time-use ticket that must be picked up in person, granting limited free admission to institutions that normally charge entry fees.

Launched in 2018, the program originally included partners like Franklin Park Conservatory and the Wexner Center for the Arts. Since then, it has grown to include more than a dozen organizations.

“As a public library, our role is to ensure equal access to all, and that goes well beyond books,” said Gregg Dodd, CML’s Director of Marketing & Communications. “With the help of our community partners, we’re working to expose all central Ohioans to the many renowned cultural gems we are fortunate to have at our doorstep.”

“The Columbus Crew are thrilled to join Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Culture Pass program,” added Stephanie Cedeño, the Crew’s Director of Community Relations. “The Crew and library share a deep commitment to education, and this partnership helps grow the game while encouraging the community to support their local library.”

Current Culture Pass Partners Include:

• BalletMet

• CAPA

• Chamber Music Columbus

• Columbus Children’s Theatre

• Columbus Clippers

• Columbus Crew

• Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus

• Columbus Museum of Art

• Columbus Symphony

• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

• Dawes Arboretum

• Franklin Park Conservatory

• Jazz Arts Group

• National Veterans Memorial and Museum

• Ohio History Center

• Pizzuti Collection

• ProMusica

• Shadowbox Live

For more information on how to use the Culture Pass program, visit columbuslibrary.org or stop by your local branch.