Dirty TackleThe Columbus Crew Stadium scoreboard caught on fire before match
Shortly before the Columbus Crew's match against DC United, their stadium's scoreboard caught fire as the teams warmed up on the pitch (video here). It's unclear how the fire started, but according to the club, it's under control and it sounds like it won't prevent them from playing the game.
Columbus Fire Dept is on the scene and is extinguishing the fire as we speak. We will have more details shortly. #Crew96
— Columbus Crew (@ColumbusCrew) April 27, 2013
The fire is under control and the players are heading back into the locker room. They will begin warming up in the next half hour. #Crew96 — Columbus Crew (@ColumbusCrew) April 27, 2013
With two draws and a loss in their last three matches, Columbus' desire to generate excitement is understandable, but there has to be a better way to do it than this.
[MLS commish: 'Way too much soccer on television']
UPDATE: Kick off was delayed nearly an hour, but the fire department gave the all clear and it seems everything is back to normal.
The fire has been extinguished by the Columbus Fire Dept. and the south portion of the stadium has cleared for safety. #Crew96
— Columbus Crew (@ColumbusCrew) April 28, 2013
UPDATE II: Columbus fans sang the national anthem because the public address system isn't working. According to Crew president Mark McCullers, the fire was located in the speaker cabinet at the top of the scoreboard. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported.
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