The Tartan Army’s Impact on Boston
In just over a week, the Tartan Army have emptied Boston’s bars and captured the affection of the city and its residents.
It is estimated that approximately 50,000 Scotland supporters have visited Boston during the period surrounding Scotland’s two group stage matches.
Scotland is scheduled to play Morocco in the city later, after which the large numbers of fans who have made Boston their temporary home are expected to travel to Florida.
Many local residents have expressed that they will be saddened to see the Scottish football fans depart.
Numerous videos showcasing the Tartan Army’s activities have gone viral.
From singing and dancing at Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, to playing bagpipes in the city’s suburbs, Bostonians have thoroughly enjoyed the presence of the Scottish fans.
The influx of visitors has also been beneficial for local businesses.
Business Boom for Local Establishments
Devon Savage, representing Boston Beer which owns the Samuel Adams Taproom, reported that the Tartan Army had "drunk them dry."
"For perspective, from Thursday-Sunday, the Tartan Army drank four times as much Boston Lager as we run through on a typical four-day holiday stretch like 4th of July.
We had to schedule an 'emergency delivery' on Saturday morning. We sold over 3,000 pints of Boston Lager over the weekend, with our teams picking up 70 empty kegs on Monday."
Several other local pubs also reported record sales, surpassing major events such as the Super Bowl and St. Patrick’s Day.
Sean Hemenway, 28, from Boston, noted that Scotland football jerseys have been selling rapidly at his classic football strip store.
"By 14:45 on game day, we had sold 67 units. That's a ton. Even USA strips were 29 off the pace.
I've noticed a lot of Bostonians coming in to buy Scotland tops after meeting the fans out, and Americans don't pledge their allegiance for other countries like that.
Once the Scots are gone it'll be a day of mourning. You guys are a part of Boston now."
Community Connection and Cultural Exchange
Beyond the economic boost, the Scottish visitors have brought a sense of community and cultural exchange to Boston.
On Wednesday, a gathering at Boston Common was organized via social media to unite locals and visitors. Hundreds attended.
Attendees exchanged Irn Bru and Root Beer, while Scots and Americans alike chanted "No Scotland, No Party."
One participant was 30-year-old Steve Castigilone from Boston.
"I have completely fallen in love with Scottish people. They've made the cold-hearted Bostonians all warm up," he said.
"You have brought so much joy to our city and we don't ever want you to leave," he added. "I'm not a soccer fan, but I'm now a dedicated Scotland fan."
Christian Harrington, 21, from Boston’s suburbs, commented on the city’s sports culture.
"This is a great sports city, but I think the energy has been low. If our sports teams aren't doing well the city is sad.
But having you guys here has changed that. You came at such a good time, we needed it. I'm starting a petition to have it renamed from New England to New Scotland."
The warmth felt towards the Tartan Army is difficult to fully express.
Walking down Boston streets wearing any Scotland merchandise often results in waves, greetings, or shouts of "good luck Scotland."
Many locals attribute this connection to the "warmth" and "energy" displayed by the Tartan Army, as well as the historic Celtic ties between the regions.
There have been calls for this "cultural exchange" to become a regular event, with many Americans pledging to visit Scotland in the near future.
The governor of Massachusetts signed an executive order to legalize haggis in the state, although it remains banned under federal law.
Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her appreciation for hosting Scotland’s matches.
"I feel lucky the city was able to host two Scotland games.
We hope that Tartan Army see Boston as their base for a long time to come," she added.
Looking ahead, if Scotland’s upcoming games go favorably, the Tartan Army may well return to Boston once again.
