Scotland Fans Bring Energy to Rhode Island
Although Rhode Island is not a host for any World Cup matches, thousands of Scotland supporters have gathered in the smallest state in the US over the past week.
Approximately 5,000 members of the Tartan Army are based in Providence, the state capital, throughout the tournament.
Providence is located 25 miles from Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where Scotland will play their second group match against Morocco on Friday.
Beyond establishing a strong Tartan Army presence locally, the fans have raised thousands of pounds for donation to local charities.
Robert Copland, from Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, explained that cost was a key factor in choosing Providence as a base.
"The price was a lot less in Rhode Island and even the beers are a lot cheaper,"
"The community has welcomed us with open arms - the other night a local man stuck my drinks on his tab and we got chatting. We're now going to keep in contact and I've told him to come to Scotland.
“We weren’t sure what to expect staying here, but it feels like a community."
Building a Community Through Social Media
The sense of community has been fostered in part by the Providence Tartan Army, a social media group created to assist fans in finding affordable accommodation.
David Hood from Balloch and Mike MacGregor, originally from Dundee but now residing in Rhode Island, are two key figures behind the group.
David told BBC Scotland News that after the tournament draw, he found Boston hotels prohibitively expensive.
"We saw people on social media saying about staying in Providence, but there was only a dozen or so people on the page. I thought it was going to be dead here.
"We knew the tickets were going to be expensive and that it was going to be an expensive World Cup, but we're just normal working class folk so needed to save money where we could."
Initially a Facebook page to generate excitement for fans in Providence, the group expanded its activities significantly.
Mike organized the chartering of two dozen yellow school buses to transport fans from Providence to the stadium on match days, and the group secured 300 hotel rooms.
They arranged for a pallet of Irn-Bru, the Scottish soft drink, to be shipped over through a partnership with AG Barr, and coordinated boat parties, block parties, and a major fan gathering on Thursday.
Through bus ticket sales, merchandise, and fan donations, Providence Tartan Army has raised approximately $30,000 (£22,400) for charity, with contributions continuing as of Tuesday.
The funds will be distributed among the Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), and the Rhode Island Highlanders to support bagpipe tuition in local schools.
"That's our legacy," David said.
Economic and Social Impact on Local Businesses
The local economy has also benefited. The Providence Tartan Army designated G Bar as their central hub, where sales have tripled compared to any Super Bowl event.
John Ioven, the manager, told BBC Scotland News:
"On Saturday alone we saw around 2,000-3,000 people and on Monday we did another 200-300. You guys got stamina.
"They've brought life back to New England. Tourism has been hot and cold here over the past few years, so it feels like you've brought us back to life."
"We're Scottish for five weeks, so of course we're cheering you all on. We are officially endorsing Team Scotland."
Nearby, Moonshine Alley, a Nashville-inspired country bar, has also embraced the Tartan Army, with Scottish flags prominently displayed.
Marketing manager Elizabeth Beskid commented on the venue's packed nights and the positive energy brought by the fans.
"We were worried Boston was going to be a little bit selfish and keep all the fans so we are glad the Tartan Army has spread itself about,"
"Normally at this time of year, the students have all left to go home for the summer so it's definitely helping us to have the Tartan Army here,"
Even the local police department has expressed fondness for the Scottish visitors, with one officer noting their positive interactions.
It is estimated that the World Cup has contributed approximately $35 million to the local economy.
Preparing for Scotland's Next Match
Scotland will play their second group match against Morocco on Friday, with 21 school buses scheduled to depart from Providence to the stadium.
Davie, one of the organizers, shared his anticipation for the event.
"I think I’ll be able to relax once that last bus has left on Friday,"
"But I’ll need to find a hobby to keep me occupied."
Mike reflected on the experience of organizing the events.
"Helping to plan all of this has helped me settle into my new home of Rhode Island. I'll be thinking about these days in my retirement home years down the line."
When asked why they invested so much effort, Mike stated:
"We're the Tartan Army, it's what we do."
