"I think we should keep them": New wave of Tartan Army arrives in Boston for Scotland's next World Cup match
Reinforcements for the Tartan Army have officially arrived from Scotland.
Scottish soccer fans touched down on Wednesday at Boston Logan International Airport ahead of Scotland's second World Cup match against Morocco on Friday, bringing their signature kilts, chants and enthusiasm to the city.
"No Scotland, no party"
Greeting fellow supporters with cries of "No Scotland, no party," fans said they were ready to bolster Scotland's presence both in the stands and throughout Boston.
"We got the call a couple weeks ago that you were running out of beer and need some help, so that's why we're here. We're going to give a hand with that. We'll be drinking and partying hard," Scottish fan Ewen Burgess said.
The Scottish fans have taken the internet by storm with their loud chants and party culture. Fans who spoke with WBZ-TV on Wednesday are excited to join in on the festivities.
"The reinforcement and backup are bringing big noise, big, big noise to come," another fan said.
"There's still more to come," fan Ryan Foggo said. "We're all here, we got our kilts on and we're representing our country well."
Scotland World Cup fans in Boston
Scotland supporters are known for creating a loud atmosphere at international tournaments, and many expect that tradition to continue when the team faces Morocco in Foxboro.
Finley Sinclair said the Scottish faithful are prepared to contribute to the record-setting crowd noise that has become a hallmark of their fan base.
"One hundred twenty-five decibels or something, like standing next to a jet engine," Sinclair said. "I don't know how we do it. We're passionate, definitely."
For many fans, the journey to Boston has come with a significant price tag. Between airfare, hotels and match tickets, some supporters have spent thousands of dollars to follow their national team. They say the experience is worth the cost.
"It's worth it. It's an experience," Burgess said. "We're lifelong fans. It's an experience we'll talk about for years and years. So the money is worth it."
With Scotland's match against Morocco approaching, signs of the Tartan Army remain visible across the city, and they have quickly turned into Boston's favorite house guest. The fans have run some local pubs dry and tripled the amount of business some got on St. Patrick's Day.
Scottish fans also took over Fenway Park over the weekend, bringing soccer match energy to the historic ballpark. Soccer chants could be heard across the stadium, bringing many viral moments.
Why are cones on Boston statues?
Recently, cones have been popping up on statues across the city. It turns out it's a decade's long tradition after the Tartan Army placed a cone on the Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow.
"So, the locals have came here and decided that Boston deserves the same treatment," said Scottish fan Grant Gilchrist.
The Scotland national team arrived to their Back Bay hotel Wednesday night as their fans continued to explore the city. There hasn't been much time for sleep.
"I have just been surviving on fumes," said Martin Lockhart, who traveled 60 hours from Australia to get to Boston before last Saturday's match. He will be in Foxboro again on Friday.
"A perfect match"
"This is my second time visiting Boston but the first time in summer, so it's nice to come in summertime now and experience what Boston has," Lockhart said. "I love the people. They are so friendly. I think it's a perfect match with the Tartan Army."
It seems locals feel the same. "I love them. I think they bring so much energy to the city and they are just a good time," said Amber Jones of East Boston.
"It puts a smile on my face," said Sam Furey of Boston. "I can hear singing, laughter, apparently all these places have run out of alcohol, so it's good for business as well. It's great."
Bars have run out of beer while pulling record profits. But the Scots have managed to do it without causing a mess, in fact, the opposite. Seeming to win Bostonians over in record time.
"I think we should keep them. We could keep the Scottish. They can stay," Jones said.
