Fortress Obetz
The Fortress | |
 | |
| Former names | Columbus Motor Speedway |
|---|---|
| Location | Obetz, Ohio |
| Coordinates | 39°53′14″N 82°56′48″W / 39.8871427°N 82.9467764°W |
| Owner | Village of Obetz |
| Operator | Village of Obetz |
| Capacity | 6,500 (bleachers) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 2016 |
| Built | 2017 |
| Opened | May 6, 2017 (planned) |
| Tenants | |
| Ohio Machine (MLL) (2017-present) Fashion Meets Music Festival | |
Fortress Obetz is a 6,500 seat stadium on the site of the former Columbus Motor Speedway[1] in Obetz, Ohio. In September 2016, Obetz purchased the Columbus Motor Speedway. Obetz has developed it into a community asset to host farmers’ markets, trade shows, sporting events, concerts, and other community activities. In its inaugural year (2017), it is set to be the new home of events such as the annual Obetz Zucchinifest and Fashion Meets Music Festival. This 50 acre, $15 million project is set to be completed in the summer of 2017. The stadium will also serve as the new home for the Ohio Machine of Major League Lacrosse. The stadium's first event is set for May 6, 2017 for the first home game of the Machine, against the Rochester Rattlers.[2] Fortress Obetz is also set to host the high school football match-up between Hamilton Township and Groveport Madison. Even though Obetz is home to these two school districts, they have not competed against each other in football in over 50 years. This event will take place on August 31, 2017.
Fortress Obetz Features
Guests at Fortress Obetz can enjoy games from an expansive bleacher system that seats 6,500, and offers multiple seating levels all with tremendous unobstructed sight-lines and exceptional closeness to the action playing out on an international-sized, turf field. On-field participants play on an advanced athletic surface with world-class safety specifications, game-specific lining, and appropriate sizing for the contest. This gives the field the ability to change day-to-day and host a variety of sporting events. The game day experience is enhanced through the integration of multiple state-of-the-art video boards at the venue. Additionally, the facility features expanded concession offerings, modern bathroom facilities, ample parking, and unique premium hospitality options that elevate the facility to one of the premier settings of its size in the country.
Features include:
- 6500 seat grandstand
- 1,100 flip down seats
- 2,000 bench back seats
- 3,400 bleacher seats
- Press Box
- Advanced Synthetic Turf Field
- Meets World Rugby Regulation 22 and FIFA Recommended 2 Star
- Sport specific lines added for each game
- Field lighting to NCAA Best Practices Specifications
- 5 Video Boards/Integrated scoreboards/Field Clocks
- Remote control camera system
- 18,000 square foot Fortress building
- 15,000 square foot courtyard
- VIP Seating
- 4 Locker rooms
- Officials' Room
- Cheer/Dance Changing Room
- 2 new Concession buildings
- Stage
- Sound system
- Lawn Seating
- Circular path
- New restrooms
- Additional remodeled restrooms and concessions
- 3 new natural grass athletic fields
- Expanded Parking
- New access road from the South
Ohio Machine History
Fortress Obetz is the third home of the Ohio Machine,[3] although the last "home" game of predecessor Chicago Machine was played in Columbus Crew Stadium in 2010.[4] The Machine began play in 2012 on Selby Field at Ohio Wesleyan University, and moved to Ohio Dominican University for the 2016 season.[3][5] Fortress Field is built on the site of the Columbus Motor Speedway,[6] which was demolished by the Village of Obetz in 2016.[7] The stadium opened on May 6, 2017 for the home opener of the Machine, against the Rochester Rattlers, in which the home team lost 12-11 in overtime. It would take three tries for the Machine to finally get a victory on their new home field. The Machine defeat the Florida Launch 19-7 on May 27.
References
- ^ Weese, Evan (November 18, 2016). "Obetz building 6,500-seat sports and concert venue". Columbus Business First. Columbus, Ohio. Retrieved 2017-01-21.
- ^ "Ohio Machine Announce New Stadium, Obetz Fortress Field" (Press release). Obetz, Ohio: The Ohio Machine. November 17, 2016. Retrieved 2017-01-21.
- ^ a b Widman Neese, Alissa (November 17, 2016). "Obetz says lacrosse stadium eventually will pay for itself". Columbus Dispatch. Columbus, Ohio. Retrieved 2017-01-21.
- ^ Machine's 2010 "Home" Season Is Complete
- ^ Stroup, Ben (October 27, 2015). "Machine leaving Delaware, moving to Ohio Dominican University". The Delaware Gazette. Delaware, Ohio. Retrieved 2017-01-21.
- ^ Perry, Kimball (November 16, 2016). "Obetz to build 6,500-seat stadium for pro sports teams". Columbus Dispatch. Columbus, Ohio. Retrieved 2017-01-21.
- ^ "Multi-Use Athletic Stadium To Take Place Of Columbus Motor Speedway". Columbus, Ohio: WOSU Public Media. The Associated Press Ohio. November 17, 2016. Retrieved 2017-01-21.