Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs
Eastern Conference Final
#1 FC Cincinnati vs #3 Columbus Crew
The Eastern Conference Final comes to Cincinnati Saturday night, as FC Cincinnati will host the Columbus Crew on December 2 at 6 p.m. at TQL Stadium.
For the events surrounding Saturday night, from pre-game activations, to what to know ahead of heading to TQL Stadium, take a look below at what is going on Sunday:
LIGHT UP CINCY
Get ready to experience TQL Stadium like never before! The Eastern Conference Final are about to get more exciting with a new pre-match synchronized light show, and all fans in attendance can be a part of it! Download the FC Cincinnati App and you’ll be able to help illuminate the stadium with your phone as the team gets ready for kickoff on Saturday. Join in on this amazing experience, and let's Light Up Cincy together.
STEP 1
Open the FC Cincinnati app on your mobile device.
Tap the Light up Cincy Card in the home screen.
STEP 2
The initial screen displays links to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. To participate in the Light Show, tap ACCEPT & CONTINUE.
STEP 3
When it's time to participate in the FCC Light Show, you will receive a prompt to open the FCC app and navigate to the relevant page. Simply tap "Continue."
STEP 4
In order to participate in the FCC Light Show, you need to enable microphone permission by tapping ENABLE MICROPHONE and allowing access to the microphone.
STEP 5
In order to participate in the FCC Light Show, you need to enable camera permission by tapping ENABLE CAMERA and allowing access to the camera.
STEP 6
Once you have completed this process, have this screen open on your phone when it’s time for the FCC Light Show to begin!
For more information, visit FCCincinnati.com/Fans/Light-Show.
PRE-MATCH AT WASHINGTON PARK
Head over to Washington Park beginning at 3 p.m. as the pre-match party gets started with plenty of free, family-friendly fan experiences including food trucks, drinks and activities including:
• Live Music from Jet Pack Academy
• Commemorative Playoff Photobooth
• Giant Replica of the Philip F. Anschutz MLS Cup Trophy
• Face Paint & Balloon Art
• FCC Inflatables
• FC Cincinnati Marketing Table
At 4:50 p.m., fans can join the high-energy march into the stadium as it arrives at Washington Park with smoke, drums and chants. For fans of all ages, soccer darts, face painting, poster making and a photo station will be on the plaza.
CENTRAL PARKWAY FAN ZONE
Head over to Central Parkway beginning at 3 p.m. as the street will be closed ahead of kickoff and be full of food trucks, beer trucks, live music and other entertainment.
Fans can enjoy in the Central Parkway Fan Zone:
• Beer Tents
• Food Trucks, including Tacos Locos, Sweets and Meats BBQ and Travelin' Tom's Coffee
• Supporter Groups
• FC Cincinnati marketing table
• FC Cincinnati Foundation table
• FC Cincinnati ticketing information
• Photo opportunities
FAN PHOTOS ON THE PLAZA
Fans headed up the East Plaza entering TQL Stadium at the First Financial Gate can have their picture taken by Event Photo Stations, courtesy of SeatGeek.
HEAD TO THE PLAYOFF PARTY AT RHINEGEIST, OR A PUB PARTNER
Fans who cannot make it to TQL Stadium can head to the Playoff Watch Party at Rhinegeist Brewery in Over-The-Rhine, as the match will air on the big screen inside the taproom.
Fans can also head to one of the club’s official Pub Partners, presented by Coors Light, across Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Indiana. Pub Partners are the spot to go to watch the Orange and Blue in 2023 and feature watch parties, drink specials and convenient locations for fans to gather to watch FC Cincinnati.
For more information on Pub Partners, visit FCCincinnati.com/Fans/Pub-Partners.
INSIDE TQL STADIUM
Fans will want to be in their seats early for special pre-match presentations throughout the stadium and on the field prior to kickoff.
The Bailey is general admission, safe standing only. Singing, drums, flags, and smoke are expected during the match. No opposing team fans or colors allowed.
Read below for more information regarding new parking options, the stadium’s updated clear bag policy, and NFC Ticketing:
Parking Options
A new temporary single-match parking option in 2023 is currently available at the Temporary North Surface Lot. Plan ahead for matchday with our Parking Information.
Bag Policy
TQL Stadium has updated its Clear Bag Policy. Learn more about our TQL Stadium Bag Policy.
NFC Ticketing
In addition to mobile ticketing, FC Cincinnati and SeatGeek will be utilizing NFC Ticketing (Near Field Communication) at all stadium gates and entrances. Fans can add their ticket to Apple Wallet on their iPhone or Apple Watch and simply tap their device at the reader at the gate to enter the stadium. Learn more with our Mobile Ticketing Information.
Visit HERE for more information regarding what to know this season at TQL Stadium. Fans should be sure to be in their seats shortly before kickoff as things get started with the pre-match ritual in the Northwest corner of the stadium.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
For an A-to-Z stadium guide, parking information, a stadium map, road closures, bag policy, concessions information and more, visit FCCincinnati.com/Matchday.
FC CINCINNATI 50/50 RAFFLE
Beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday, fans in Ohio can purchase 50/50 Raffle Tickets to support the FC Cincinnati Foundation. All tickets can be purchased online at FCCincinnati5050.com or on the official FC Cincinnati app.
The 50/50 Raffle will be benefitting the FC Cincinnati Foundation and help fund its key programs: Soccer Unites, Mini Soccer Pitch Builds, West End Pride, and Learning Is Cool as the Foundation works to improve the lives of children in our region through soccer.
Raffle Tickets are one for $10, 10 for $20, 50 for $50 and 200 for $100. No tickets are purchased in-person or with cash, and the raffle closes at the 75th minute of Saturday’s game. The winning ticket will be announced post-match at FCCincinnati5050.com and on FCCF social media channels.
