Columbus is getting ready for takeoff, and this time, it’s not at the airport.
The inaugural home game for the Columbus Aviators is set for Friday, April 3, and it’s shaping up to be a full-on celebration of football, community, and a brand new era for the city. The Aviators, coached by OSU alum Ted Ginn Jr., will face off against the DC Defenders at Historic Crew Stadium, with kickoff at 8 p.m. But if you’re planning to show up right at game time, you’re going to miss half the fun.
This is the “614 Kickoff,” and it’s being treated like the moment it is. Columbus’ first season in the United Football League deserves a proper welcome, and the team is going all in.
The party starts early with the Aviators Fan Fest at 6:30 p.m. on the plaza inside the stadium. Expect music, photo ops, inflatables, and plenty to keep fans of all ages entertained. At the same time, gates will open, and the first 5,000 fans through the door will score a free Home Opener T-shirt. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a citywide color moment, this is your cue, beccause the team is calling for an “Aviators Blue Out.”
Once kickoff hits at 8 p.m., it’s officially history in the making. This will be the first time the Columbus Aviators take the field at home, and the energy is expected to match the moment. The matchup against the DC Defenders adds a little extra edge, but honestly, all eyes will be on the home team’s debut.
And because this is Columbus, the entertainment doesn’t stop with football.
Halftime brings a live performance from Gavin DeGraw, the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist behind songs like “I Don’t Want to Be” and “Not Over You.”
The night will also feature appearances from Columbus legends and community leaders, plus the official introduction of the Aviators’ brand new mascot. Between that, the giveaways, and the general game-day atmosphere, this isn’t just a sporting event. It’s a full experience.
If you’re heading down, a few quick things to know.
General parking will be available for $20 cash in Lot G at the Fairgrounds, opening four hours before kickoff. Concessions will stay open throughout the game, though alcohol sales wrap up at the end of the third quarter. And if you’ve got access to the Upper 90 Lounge or seats in Section 112, don’t forget to grab your wristband when you arrive.
The Aviators are part of the United Football League’s 2026 season, which runs for 10 weeks before playoffs begin on June 7 and wrap with the championship game on June 13. All games across the league will be broadcast on major networks like FOX, ABC, and ESPN, so even if you can’t make every matchup in person, you won’t miss the action.
That said, there’s something special about being in the crowd for the first. The first home game. The first kickoff. The first time a new team feels like it truly belongs to the city.
So wear blue, get loud, and show up early. Columbus is ready to fly! For more info about the Columbus Aviators, head over to theufl.com/teams/columbus.
