Columbus voters rejected a proposed sales tax increase for a new soccer stadium/arena complex on May 6. In a larger (39 percent) turnout than expected, 56 percent of voters voted against the issue.
The Crew, which is in the last year of a two-year deal in Ohio Stadium (although OSU holds a one-year option), had hoped to move into the country’s first major soccer-specific stadium in the year 2000. With the defeat, the future of the team is in question. Ohio Stadium is set to be renovated later this decade, potentially leaving Columbus without a playing facility.
Despite the setback, Crew owner Lamar Hunt was quoted as saying he still wanted to keep the team in Columbus.