Over 5,000 Scotland fans brought their vibrant energy to the Boston Red Sox game against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park. The Tartan Army gathered at Evans Way Park, enjoying takeaway beers and the sunny weather on Sunday afternoon.
March to Fenway Park
Still celebrating Scotland's World Cup victory over Haiti, fans sang songs and clapped to the sound of bagpipes before a colorful march to Fenway Park began at 4:45 PM. Led by local police, surrounding roads were closed as supporters waved flags and made their way to the iconic baseball stadium.
Some fans wore customized Red Sox jerseys bearing the names of Scotland football heroes, while others sported specially adapted Scotland tops with 'Red Sox' written across the front.
Local Reactions
Locals stopped to take photos and videos as the kilted procession passed through the park. Even Red Sox supporters unaware of the 'tartan takeover' looked on in surprise as Scots filled the stadium. Before the first pitch, nearby bars began running out of beer as traveling supporters arrived in force.
Season ticket holders quickly struck up conversations with the Tartan Army, learning traditional Scottish songs. At one of the game's early breaks, both groups sang 'No Scotland, No Party,' with locals adapting it to 'No Red Sox, No Party.'
Stadium Atmosphere
Scots supporters introduced fans to the meaning behind 'Super John McGinn,' and at every pause in play, the stadium DJ kept the atmosphere going with songs like Gala's 'Freed From Desire' and 'The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond.'
Although the Red Sox lost 6-4, many traveling Scots admitted they had little idea what was happening on the field, preferring to enjoy the occasion—much to the amusement of local fans. One memorable moment came late in the game when a supporter wearing a 'See You Jimmy' hat repeatedly tried to start a Mexican wave, eventually succeeding as the entire stadium joined in.
Fan Stories
Richard Laidlaw, 50, from Newton Mearns, wore a jersey bearing Billy Gilmour's name. He said: 'We're here for just over a week, so we thought we'd make the most of it and go to the Red Sox. We just thought we'd get the strips and put Scotland players on the back, just for a bit of a laugh. My friend organized the whole thing. It took a lot of organizing—but it's just about making the most of this amazing trip.'
