I recently shared a perspective regarding MAPFRE Stadium matchday parking with a group of supporters during a meeting in February, and I want to share that perspective, and an update, to a wider audience.

Let me begin by acknowledging that improving the efficiency of parking at MAPFRE Stadium – specifically egress (exiting) – has been identified by our supporters as the #1 request for change to the matchday experience. This request for change has been consistently identified objectively through survey results and subjectively through feedback generated by way of conversations, especially those with Season Ticket Members.

Crew SC, State of Ohio (owner of the parking lots), and Standard Parking (operator of the parking lots) are committed to improving the parking experience. As I mentioned to the supporter group when this topic was raised in February: our effort to impact improvements will, at minimum, require a degree of strategic experimentation. Furthermore, strategic experimentation is likely to affect historical traffic patterns. We are hopeful to validate our assumptions and if all goes well a series of successful tests will result in permanent changes. Some of the changes could range from adding more directional signage to exiting traffic from certain lots into lanes that will require supporters to travel home in a slightly different pattern.

It is important to note that we measure exit times for the various Ohio Expo Center lots that service MAPFRE stadium traffic. Improving exit metrics for all parking lots shall serve as our ultimate objective, and as we (hopefully) uncover improvements we will use the data to help shape the decision making process. For example, on Saturday March 25th there was a considerable exit metric efficiency gained in a variety of lots (VIP, G, R, and B Lot) which we are attributing to a new egress route that required vehicles in the B Lot to exit on a northern route as opposed to having a choice to exit either North or South.

The difficult part of validating our parking changes is that we may, from time-to-time, be forced to revert as we look to maximize exit metrics. In other words: we might be forced to temporarily suspend (or reverse) a change that was made in an effort to try and secure even greater improvements by virtue of an altogether different plan. I must admit that it is possible, on occasion, that we fail in our mission to improve exit metrics as a result of our strategic experimentation. But I am convinced that any lessons learned through a failed effort will ultimately yield a better outcome than simply accepting the current state. I am also convinced that we can improve overall exit metrics by re-imagining some of our exit routes. That re-imagination will require some parking lots to change their historic exit routes, and if the end-goal is to increase efficiency I am hopeful you will understand the need for change. No matter, we are extremely apologetic in advance if we attempt to implement a new idea and it inadvertently results in an increased exit time.

We recognize that we need to increase the frequency of our communication as it relates to parking changes. The State of Ohio and Standard Parking are very aware of the parking challenges and they are equally committed to more actively communicating proposed changes in a timely manner so we can, in turn, share with each of you. Part of our inherent challenge with our footprint is that any parking plan must contemplate additional events taking place at Ohio Expo Center. With the addition of recently constructed buildings on the Ohio Expo Center grounds in the past 2 years there are additional events surrounding MAPFRE Stadium which impact matchday parking.

For the April 1 match vs. Orlando (4pm kickoff) we will temporarily suspend the change made to the B Lot egress plan on 3/25 vs. Portland. Due to other events taking place at the Ohio Expo Center 17th avenue will be closed Clara Ave to Dora, Velma Ave between E. 17th and Maynard Ave, and Silver Drive between E 17th and E 20th Ave. We encourage those that are VIP and B Lot pass holders to exit I-71 via Hudson Ave and those who are paying cash ($15) to arrive to the parking grounds via 17th Ave exit.

As always, please feel free to direct any questions or concerns to your Membership Specialist via email or by phone.

Thank you,

Andy

Andy Loughnane

Columbus Crew SC President of Business Operations