On Friday, the Columbus Crew announced a multiyear agreement with Bread Financial^®, a Columbus-based financial services company. As part of the relationship, the Bread Financial Club will debut this Saturday during the Black & Gold’s season opener against Chicago Fire FC at Lower.com Field. 

Bread Financial will also be integrated in the Crew’s Season Ticket Member and Crew Futures programs, while also serving as a Pillar Partner of the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network, which is focused on promoting school attendance and engagement.

“We are thrilled to partner with Bread Financial and appreciate its passion for Columbus, the Crew and our community,” said Crew Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Justin Younghans. “Through our new relationship, Bread Financial will help the Crew continue to provide world class entertainment to our supporters while also creating the next generation of fans.”

“Bread Financial is excited to partner with the Crew, an organization with a storied history in Columbus that shares many of our company values and commitments to make Columbus a great place to live and work,” said Shannon Andrick, Senior Vice President of Business Strategy at Bread Financial. 

“We are also thrilled to have Bread Financial serve as a Pillar Partner of Stay in the Game! Attendance Network, creating  an immediate impact on Central Ohio students,” said Stephanie Cedeño, Crew Director of Community Relations. “As a locally based company, Bread Financial shares our passion for Columbus and will strengthen the program’s activations to help create a lasting impact on our youth and the region while empowering students to reach their full potential.”

The Stay in the Game! Attendance Network’s mission is focused on promoting school attendance and student engagement with its partner districts in the state. SITG! has grown from 13 districts at its start during the 2019-2020 school year to now expecting more than 100 districts for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The Crew open their 30th MLS season at home against Chicago Fire FC this Saturday at Lower.com Field. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.