COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther says the owner of Columbus Crew SC has agreed to meet to discuss keeping the team in Columbus past the 2018 season.
Tuesday, Ginther released a statement, along with Columbus partnership President and CEO Alex Fischer, saying "Over the weekend, we made contact with Columbus Crew SC Owner Anthony Precourt and MLS Commissioner Don Garber. We reiterated our views to each very directly and have requested in-person meetings with both to discuss options for keeping the team in Columbus. They have agreed, and we expect those meetings to occur in the coming weeks."
Last week, Precourt confirmed a report that he is considering moving the team to Austin, Texas, following the 2018 MLS season. He is requesting a new downtown, soccer-specific stadium to keep the team in Columbus. Precourt also had meetings with officials in Austin late last week.
On Sunday, hundreds attended a "Save the Crew" rally at Columbus City Hall.
Monday, Crew fans took their concerns to Columbus City Council, with council members expressing their support for keeping the team in Columbus.