The Columbus Crew 2027 schedule is set for a unique MLS campaign as the league prepares to transition to a new summer-to-spring calendar. Before that permanent change begins, the Black & Gold will compete in a shortened 2027 MLS Sprint Season featuring 14 regular-season matches.
The Crew will play seven home games at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field and seven away matches against Eastern Conference opponents. The campaign begins on February 27 with a home meeting against the Philadelphia Union and concludes on May 8 with a road match against the New England Revolution.
The condensed schedule also features several important matchups, including a visit from Inter Miami, the rivalry clash against FC Cincinnati known as Hell is Real, and home fixtures against Atlanta United and the New York Red Bulls.
Below is the complete Columbus Crew 2027 MLS Sprint Season schedule, including dates, opponents, venues and kickoff times.
2027 Columbus Crew Schedule: Key Details
- Competition: 2027 MLS Sprint Season
- Regular-season games: 14
- Home games: 7
- Away games: 7
- Home venue: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus
- Season opener: February 27 vs. Philadelphia Union
- Regular-season finale: May 8 at New England Revolution
- MLS Cup final: May 29–31, 2027 (Memorial Day weekend)
Full Columbus Crew 2027 MLS Sprint Season Schedule
The Crew’s 2027 Sprint Season features 14 conference-only regular-season matches. All kickoff times below are Eastern Time (ET).
Biggest Games to Watch on the Columbus Crew 2027 Schedule
Although the 2027 MLS Sprint Season is shorter than a traditional campaign, the Columbus Crew have several notable matchups on their calendar. Here are five dates fans should mark.
February 27: Season Opener vs. Philadelphia Union
The Crew begin their Sprint Season at home against the Philadelphia Union on February 27. The match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field gives Columbus an opportunity to start the campaign with three points in front of its home supporters.
April 21: Inter Miami Visit Columbus
One of the biggest attractions on the schedule comes on April 21, when Inter Miami visits Columbus. The matchup is expected to draw significant attention, particularly because of the possibility of seeing Lionel Messi and Miami’s star-studded lineup in action.
April 24: Hell Is Real Derby at FC Cincinnati
The Crew travel to TQL Stadium on April 24 for another edition of the Hell Is Real rivalry against FC Cincinnati. This regional matchup is one of the most anticipated fixtures for Columbus supporters and could have important implications in the conference standings.
May 1: Home Match vs. Charlotte FC
Columbus returns to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on May 1 to face Charlotte FC. With the regular season approaching its conclusion, this home fixture could be important in the race for a playoff position.
May 8: Regular-Season Finale at New England
The Crew close their 14-game regular season on the road against the New England Revolution on May 8. The result could prove crucial as teams compete for places in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
What Is the 2027 MLS Sprint Season?
The 2027 MLS Sprint Season is a shortened competition designed to bridge the gap before Major League Soccer moves to its new summer-to-spring calendar in July 2027.
Unlike a traditional MLS season, the Sprint Season features a compact 14-game regular-season schedule, with teams facing conference opponents. The shorter format creates a condensed race for playoff qualification before the league begins its new calendar structure.
For Columbus Crew supporters, this means a busy three-month campaign in which every result could carry extra importance.
2027 MLS Sprint Season Playoff Format and Qualification
The Sprint Season will use a shorter playoff format than the traditional MLS postseason. Key details include:
- The top eight teams in each conference qualify for the 2027 MLS Cup Playoffs.
- The playoffs will use a single-elimination format.
- The 2027 MLS Cup final is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 29–31.
- Sprint Season results will provide qualification opportunities for the 2028 CONCACAF Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.
- The full summer-to-spring MLS calendar is scheduled to begin in July 2027.
Columbus will need a strong start and consistent results throughout its 14 matches to secure a place among the Eastern Conference’s top eight teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Columbus Crew 2027 season start?
The Columbus Crew open their 2027 MLS Sprint Season on February 27, hosting the Philadelphia Union at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
How many games will Columbus Crew play in the 2027 Sprint Season?
Columbus will play 14 regular-season matches: seven at home and seven on the road.
When does Inter Miami play Columbus Crew in 2027?
Inter Miami visits Columbus on April 21, 2027. The match is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
When is the Hell Is Real derby in 2027?
Columbus travels to FC Cincinnati on April 24, 2027, for the Hell Is Real rivalry match. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET at TQL Stadium.
When is the Columbus Crew’s final regular-season game?
The Crew finish their 2027 Sprint Season on May 8 against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. The match is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET.
When is the 2027 MLS Cup final?
The 2027 MLS Cup final is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 29–31, 2027.
How many teams qualify for the 2027 MLS Sprint Season playoffs?
The top eight teams from each conference will advance to the MLS Cup Playoffs. The postseason will follow a single-elimination format.
Will the 2027 Sprint Season affect CONCACAF Champions Cup qualification?
Yes. The Sprint Season will offer qualification opportunities for the 2028 CONCACAF Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.
Follow the Columbus Crew 2027 Schedule
The 2027 MLS Sprint Season gives Columbus Crew fans a compact campaign filled with important conference matchups, home fixtures and one of the league’s most anticipated regional rivalries.
From the February 27 season opener against Philadelphia to the April 24 Hell Is Real derby and the May 8 regular-season finale, every match will matter in the race for a playoff spot.
Bookmark this page for the latest Columbus Crew 2027 schedule updates, including any changes to match dates, kickoff times, broadcast details and ticket information.
