Columbus, Ohio, is home to a wide range of professional, semi-professional, and collegiate sports teams. The city has a rich sports culture with passionate fans, especially when it comes to soccer, ice hockey, and football. Below is a detailed list of sports teams in Columbus, Ohio, including their websites and information about each team.
1. Columbus Crew SC (Major League Soccer)
- Website: Columbus Crew SC
- Overview: Columbus Crew SC is a professional soccer team that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top tier of soccer in the United States. Founded in 1994, it is one of the original MLS teams and has a storied history with multiple championships and a passionate fan base.
- Stadium: Lower.com Field
- Location: 96 Columbus Crew Way, Columbus, OH 43215
- Key Achievements:
- 2 MLS Cup Championships (2008, 2020)
- 1 U.S. Open Cup (2002)
- Multiple MLS Supporters' Shield wins (best regular season record)
- Why Visit: Columbus Crew SC has one of the most dedicated fan bases in the league, known for creating an electric atmosphere at their home games. If you're a soccer fan, the Crew offers top-level action and a great matchday experience.
- Additional Info: The team was formerly known as the Columbus Crew before rebranding as "Columbus Crew SC." The Crew is also involved in various youth development programs and community outreach initiatives.
2. Columbus Blue Jackets (National Hockey League)
- Website: Columbus Blue Jackets
- Overview: The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team that competes in the National Hockey League (NHL), representing Columbus, Ohio, since 2000. The Blue Jackets are part of the NHL’s Metropolitan Division and have built a loyal fan base.
- Stadium: Nationwide Arena
- Location: 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215
- Key Achievements:
- 1 Division Title (2017-18)
- Multiple playoff appearances, with a memorable upset of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2019 playoffs (sweeping them in the first round).
- Why Visit: Nationwide Arena is known for its fantastic game-day experience, with passionate fans supporting the Blue Jackets. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to hockey, attending a Blue Jackets game is a thrilling experience filled with fast-paced action and excitement.
- Additional Info: The Blue Jackets offer youth hockey development programs, camps, and community outreach events. They are involved in initiatives to grow the sport of hockey in Ohio and beyond.
3. Columbus Destroyers (Arena Football League - Revival in 2025)
- Website: Columbus Destroyers
- Overview: The Columbus Destroyers were an arena football team that competed in the Arena Football League (AFL) from 2004 to 2008 and then returned in 2019 before the league ceased operations. In 2025, the team is expected to return in a new league, which will revive the exciting atmosphere of indoor football in Columbus.
- Stadium: Nationwide Arena
- Location: 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215
- Key Achievements:
- 1 AFL Playoff appearance
- Known for an exciting, fast-paced style of play that resonates well with fans of the high-scoring, indoor game.
- Why Visit: If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly sports experience, the Destroyers offer an action-packed environment. The new league is expected to bring back the fast-paced, high-scoring excitement of arena football to the city.
- Additional Info: The team’s return is highly anticipated, with hopes for a reinvigorated fan base and a fresh new chapter for the Destroyers in Columbus.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes (College Sports)
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Website: Ohio State Buckeyes
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Overview: Ohio State University (OSU) is home to one of the most successful and storied collegiate athletics programs in the nation. The Ohio State Buckeyes compete in the NCAA's Division I as a member of the Big Ten Conference and offer a wide variety of sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and more.
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Key Sports:
- Football: The Ohio State Buckeyes football team is one of the most successful college football teams in history, with multiple national championships, Big Ten titles, and Heisman Trophy winners.
- Basketball: OSU’s men’s basketball team has a rich history and frequently competes in the NCAA tournament.
- Ice Hockey: The men’s ice hockey team is a competitive force in the NCAA, with strong performances in national tournaments.
- Other Sports: OSU also has teams in baseball, softball, soccer, wrestling, and more.
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Stadiums and Facilities:
- Ohio Stadium ("The Horseshoe") – Football
- Value City Arena – Basketball, Ice Hockey
- Bill Davis Stadium – Baseball
- Buckeye Field – Softball
- Other venues for sports like soccer, volleyball, and track.
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Why Visit: Ohio State is known for having one of the most passionate fan bases in college sports. Whether it’s the electric atmosphere of Ohio Stadium during football season or the excitement of Buckeye basketball, attending an Ohio State athletic event is a must for sports enthusiasts in Columbus.
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Additional Info: The Buckeyes are involved in community outreach programs and have a national following, making any game or event a great opportunity to experience college sports at the highest level.
5. Columbus Thunder (Women’s Football)
- Website: Columbus Thunder
- Overview: The Columbus Thunder is a women’s professional football team that competes in the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA), the largest and most competitive women’s tackle football league in the United States.
- Stadium: Locations may vary
- Key Achievements:
- Regular playoff appearances in the WFA
- Why Visit: The Columbus Thunder provides a great opportunity to support women’s sports and witness high-level competitive football in an exciting and inclusive atmosphere.
- Additional Info: The Thunder are a community-driven team, with a focus on empowering women and providing opportunities for athletes to excel in football.
6. Columbus Clippers (Minor League Baseball)
- Website: Columbus Clippers
- Overview: The Columbus Clippers are a Triple-A baseball team, which serves as the minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. The Clippers play in the International League and have a rich history as one of the most successful minor league teams in the country.
- Stadium: Huntington Park
- Location: 330 Huntington Park Ln., Columbus, OH 43215
- Key Achievements:
- Numerous International League championships
- Produced many major league stars who went on to play for the Cleveland Guardians.
- Why Visit: Watching the Columbus Clippers is a fantastic way to enjoy baseball in a family-friendly environment. The team has a great atmosphere, and fans can watch future MLB stars on their way up.
- Additional Info: Huntington Park is known for its beautiful design, making it one of the most enjoyable minor league stadiums in the country.
7. Columbus Lions (Indoor Football)
- Website: Columbus Lions
- Overview: The Columbus Lions are an indoor football team that plays in the National Arena League (NAL). Known for their exciting, fast-paced play, the Lions provide a thrilling alternative to traditional outdoor football.
- Stadium: Memorial Stadium
- Location: 1170 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43206
- Why Visit: If you’re looking for a high-energy game with lots of scoring and action, the Columbus Lions deliver. Indoor football is fast-paced, and the Lions have a dedicated fan base.
- Additional Info: The Lions also offer a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with affordable tickets and plenty of opportunities to engage with the team.
Conclusion
Columbus, Ohio, is a sports-centric city with a variety of teams across multiple sports, ranging from the Columbus Crew SC and Columbus Blue Jackets to the Ohio State Buckeyes and Columbus Clippers. Whether you're into soccer, hockey, football, or baseball, there is always a game to catch in the city. For sports fans, Columbus offers exciting live experiences, with the opportunity to see future stars in action and support local athletes across a range of competitive levels.
