Books and soccer might not seem like an obvious pairing, but one Columbus partnership is proving they’re a perfect match.
On Sunday, June 14, the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Columbus Crew are teaming up for a free community celebration at Main Library downtown. The event, called 614 Day: Kickin’ It with the Crew, will feature games, giveaways, family activities, special appearances, and even free tickets to select Crew matches.
The festivities run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Main Library, located at 96 S. Grant Ave., and all activities are free.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor soccer games, video gaming stations, face painting, soccer-themed crafts, photo opportunities, and a special soccer storytime featuring appearances from Columbus Crew players. There will also be free treats from Cotton Sugar Co. and Berri Sweets while supplies last.
One of the biggest draws of the event is the opportunity to claim free Columbus Crew tickets through the library’s Culture Pass program.
Since 2025, the Crew has partnered with Columbus Metropolitan Library to offer free admission to select home matches through the library’s popular Culture Pass program. Library cardholders can check out tickets much like they would a book, making professional soccer more accessible to families throughout Central Ohio.
“As a Club, we believe soccer can be a powerful platform to bring people together and create opportunities throughout our community,” said Stephanie Cedeño, the Crew’s Vice President of Community Relations. “Partnering with Columbus Metropolitan Library allows us to connect with families and young readers in new ways while helping make both soccer and educational resources more accessible across Central Ohio.”
At the June 14 event, 25 Culture Passes will be available for each of three upcoming matches:
- July 25 vs. FC Cincinnati
- Aug. 19 vs. CF Montréal
- Sept. 12 vs. New York Red Bulls
Each pass admits two people to one match. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and cardholders are limited to one pass each.
If you’re hoping to snag tickets, organizers recommend arriving early. The library parking garage opens at 11 a.m., lobby doors open at 12:30 p.m., and the Culture Pass line will form outside the library’s northeast entrance on Carnegie Plaza.
The event will also feature limited-edition Columbus Crew library cards, available while supplies last.
“We’re proud to partner with the Columbus Crew,” said CML CEO Lauren Hagan. “Our organizations bring people together, inspire young minds, and strengthen community pride. Our ‘open to all’ philosophy connects people to books and experiences that spark curiosity and create lasting memories.”
The Crew is also supporting the library’s Summer Reading Challenge with giveaways, signed memorabilia, and special fan experiences throughout the season, including a grand prize package featuring four tickets to the Crew’s September 27 match against Inter Miami CF.
For more info, head over to columbuslibrary.org.
