Chicago Vs Columbus: Crew host Fire in March 7 home opener
chicago vs columbus will meet Saturday, March 7 at 7: 30 p. m. ET when the Columbus Crew host Chicago Fire FC at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field for the Crew’s 2026 home opener, a match that will also be available on Apple TV.
Chicago Vs Columbus set for Saturday night
Matchday 3’s Walmart Saturday Showdown kicks off at 7: 30 p. m. ET, and fans arriving at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field will receive a Black & Gold beanie courtesy of Nationwide on entry; the club lists the giveaway as part of its annual home opener tradition. This chicago vs columbus meeting is framed as a Gregg Berhalter derby and is slated for broadcast on Apple TV, with kickoff set for the evening window noted by the clubs.
Berhalter's role and the Fire's attack
Gregg Berhalter is in the unique position of coaching Chicago Fire FC as head coach and director of football after earlier spells in Columbus; he was hired by the Crew in 2013 and led Columbus for five years, guiding the team to the 2015 MLS Cup final and finishing with an overall record of 76W-70L-46D. Berhalter said, “Every day I wake up and I'm excited and I'm full of energy, because it's a great project. ” Under his first season with the Fire they ended a seven-year Audi MLS Cup Playoffs exile and the team scored 68 goals in 2025 while conceding 60.
Stadium logistics, giveaways and viewing
The clubs urge fans to arrive early and pre-purchase parking to avoid downtown congestion, noting multiple direct overlaps with events at Nationwide Arena, KEMBA Live! and the Columbus Convention Center. On-site policies include a valid I. D. requirement for all alcohol purchases and a maximum limit of two alcoholic beverages sold to each guest, per purchase, per valid I. D. New season cocktails — the Smokestack Cocktail and the Crewsmas Cranberry Mule — will be offered around ScottsMiracle-Gro Field at the Modelo Bar, Michelob Ultra Bar, Nordecke Bar and Upper Mezzanine Bar. Fans who cannot attend in person can watch on Apple TV or tune in on Alt 105. 7 FM and the iHeartRadio app in English and on La Mega Columbus 107. 1/103. 1 FM and the La Mega app in Spanish.
Kickoff is confirmed for March 7 at 7: 30 p. m. ET at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field; fans planning to pick up the Black & Gold beanie or grab the new stadium cocktails should arrive early and consider pre-purchasing parking to avoid the noted downtown event overlaps.
