ScottsMiracle-Gro Field is the home of the Columbus Crew, one of the true prides and joys of this city. And when the Crew made the move from Historic Crew Stadium to the field formerly known as Lower.com Field (now Scotts Miracle-Gro Field), it wasn’t just the seating and scoreboards that leveled up.

The food did too. Big time.

One of my favorite parts about a Crew match now is showing up hungry. Whether you need a pregame meal, a halftime snack, or something to stress-eat after a missed chance in the box, there are legitimately good options all over the stadium.

So if you’re heading to a match and wondering about the best food at Scotts Miracle-Gro Field, here are the top 5 things you absolutely need to try while cheering on the Black & Gold.

The Hungry Hattrick | Italian Village Meatball Sub

📍 Section 107

Let’s start strong.

The Italian Village Meatball Sub from The Hungry Hattrick features the real star of the show… homemade Carfagna meatballs. And if you know Columbus food, you know Carfagna’s does not mess around.

These meatballs are tender, saucy, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of sandwich that feels way too legit to be eaten out of a stadium wrapper. This isn’t a “good for stadium food” situation. This is just good food, period.

If you want something hearty that’ll actually fill you up during a Columbus Crew game, this is it.

Swensons | Galley Boy with Potato Teezers

📍 Section 124

As a former Northeast Ohioan, Swensons holds a very special place in my heart. There were many-a-night spent at Swenson’s after travel baseball games.

The Galley Boy is iconic. Two patties. That signature barbecue-y sauce. A flavor profile that hits you with sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. Pair it with a side of Potato Teezers and you’ve got yourself a dangerous little combo.

Is it slightly reckless to eat this at a soccer game? Maybe.

Is it worth it? Every single time.

If you’re craving a burger at Scotts Miracle-Gro Field, this is 1000% the move.

Dirty Franks | Chicago Dog

📍 Section 143

Dirty Franks is still criminally underappreciated by parts of the Columbus community, and I am tired of pretending it’s not elite.

The Chicago Dog is a full production. Tomatoes, onions, peppers, relish, dill pickle, yellow mustard, celery salt. It’s colorful. It’s chaotic. It’s perfect.

And let’s be honest… there is something deeply correct about eating a hot dog at a sporting event. It just feels right.

If you’re looking for a classic stadium food with way more personality, this is one of the best things to eat at a Columbus Crew game.

Schmidt’s | Bahama Mama Platter with Black & Gold Cream Puff

📍 Section 128

The official sausage of the city of Columbus. The Bahama Mama. Respect where it’s due.

The platter gives you that full German-inspired experience right there at the pitch. It’s hearty. It’s flavorful. It’s very on-brand for a city that loves its traditions.

But let’s not kid ourselves. The real scene-stealer is the Black & Gold Cream Puff.

Banana cream. Chocolate drizzle. A dessert that’s large enough to require strategy. And honestly, if you drop it on your Crew jersey, it’ll blend right in. That’s what I call smart design.

If you want a full meal and a dessert that feels borderline irresponsible in size, Schmidt’s is the answer.

Ben’s Pretzels | Regular and Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

📍 Sections 108 & 125

We’ve all been there. You’re standing in line, trying to decide if you want sweet or savory, and your brain just short-circuits.

Ben’s Pretzels solves that problem beautifully.

You can go classic with a salted pretzel and cheese. Or lean into the cinnamon sugar with icing or cream cheese icing. They’ve even got garlic butter if you’re feeling bold.

It’s simple. It’s nostalgic. It’s exactly what you want in your hands while you’re pacing during stoppage time.

Sometimes the best food at Scotts Miracle-Gro Field isn’t complicated. It’s just a warm pretzel and a game on the line.

Final Whistle

Scotts Miracle-Gro Field isn’t just one of the best soccer stadiums in MLS. It’s also quietly one of the best places to eat in Columbus during a sporting event.

From Carfagna meatballs to Swensons burgers, Dirty Franks dogs, Schmidt’s cream puffs, and Ben’s Pretzels, the food scene inside the stadium actually feels like Columbus. Local. Flavorful. Slightly indulgent. Completely worth it.

So next time you’re heading to a Columbus Crew match, don’t just grab the first thing you see. Go in with a plan. Your stomach will thank you.

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