Among the hundreds of Portland Timbers supporters heading to Columbus for Sunday’s epic—and more on EPIC in a minute—2015 MLS Cup against Columbus Crew SC (1pm PT, ESPN)? Here’s a quick glance of some of the places to go, things to see and Timbers Army events in town.
First off, the word on the Timbers Army:
On Saturday night they are actually taking over two venues right around the corner from each other beginning at 8pm ET.
The Three Legged Mare
Timbers Army meet-up location, Upstairs bar.
Saturday, Dec. 5 at 8 PM - Kid friendly.
401 N Front St #150, Columbus, OH 43215
Gordon Biersch
Timbers Army meet-up location around the corner from the Three Legged Mare, Banquet room
Saturday, Dec. 5 at 8 PM - Kid friendly.
401 N Front St #120, Columbus, OH 43215
On Sunday of the matchday, the Timbers Army putting together a pretty epic tailgate that begins at 11:00am ET or, as they put it, “sooner for the hardy." There will be locally catered BBQ and kegs on tap as well as all manner of music and fun.
As for tifo in the game, well, as we all know the first rule of tifo is to not talk about the tifo. However, the epic drum—as in the EPIC huge drum that is in the North End at Providence Park on match days—is coming to Columbus. Timbers Army volunteers are working magic to figure out how to get it on the plane but the latest report was that it’ll be here.
Still got some time to kill?
Cafe Brioso will get you set for your coffee needs in the morning. It may have Crew SC flags inside but Timbers players made it through no problem.
The North Market is a massive indoor market with food stalls, fresh produce from the farm, and all kinds of activity. A great spot for breakfast or lunch.
For culture, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is 88 acres of greenery. First built in 1895, the buildings and grounds are on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The Ohio State University has loads of stuff including the incredible Wexner Center for the Arts and their great contemporary art collection and performances.
Heading into the evening, apart from the Timbers Army events, there’s The Short North area full of small pubs, restaurants and the like, which, as the name might suggest, is just shortly north of downtown. Grab some ice cream at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on High Street.
On the south side of town is historic German Village. Cobblestone streets and old history pervade with cool deli’s and dinner spots.
Already in town and got a suggestion? Add it to the comments below!
