Scottish football fans are gearing up for an all-night party in popular holiday hotspots after Spanish authorities granted bars permission to remain open for Scotland's opening World Cup match, despite the 2am kick-off time.
Sinky's Scottish Pub in Magaluf Prepares for Tartan Army
Sinky's Scottish Pub in Magaluf is bracing for a Tartan Army invasion as the team makes its first World Cup appearance in 28 years. The pub has received a boost after local council officials allowed it to extend its hours to show the full opening match against Haiti. The bar promises fans cold pints and a proper pub atmosphere. Manager Ryan Sinclair expressed his excitement: "We’re absolutely buzzing for it. Scotland being back at the World Cup is massive, and even with the 3am kick-off here, we know the fans will turn out and make it a night to remember. Sinky’s has always been a home for Scottish supporters in Magaluf, so we’re expecting an amazing atmosphere."
Thousands Opt for Spanish Resorts Over US
Many Tartan Army foot soldiers have faced cancellation of their Esta tourist visas by US immigration authorities. As a result, thousands of Scotland fans are choosing to avoid high US costs and security concerns, instead descending on Spanish resorts such as Magaluf and Tenerife for a month-long World Cup party in the sun.
Surge in Bookings to Benidorm and Tenerife
Bookings to Benidorm have surged by 54% compared to other weeks this year. The Hoops Bar, a Celtic fan pub in Tenerife, is offering a £50 per person all-you-can-drink package, with live music from 11pm until the match starts at 2am. The Thistle Bar, also in Tenerife, promises fans "cold drinks, good vibes and sunshine all day," with matches shown on big screens. In a social media post, they wrote: "We've waited 28 years for this. Come get your glitter face paint ready and enjoy a few cold ones."
Match Schedule and a Wedding Coincidence
Scotland's opening game against Haiti kicks off at 2am on Sunday morning. The second game against Morocco on Friday, June 19, is at 11pm, and the final group game against Brazil kicks off at 11pm on June 24. However, the timing of the Brazil game means one Scottish bar will be closed that day, as its owner jets off to Gibraltar on June 23 to get married two days later. Gary McCormack, who owns the Union Bar in Tenerife, said: "I cannot actually believe we have scheduled that during Scotland’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years and of all the possibilities, we are playing Brazil. So my wee pub will be closed. Best laugh of all is we’ve been together for 25 years. My bride to be is hoping I don’t go in the missing list in Gibraltar on the 24th. We get hitched on the 25th." The bar will also not be able to show the Haiti game due to a licence restriction until 2am, but plans to show the Morocco game. Gary added: "Hopefully the local police and town halls here in Tenerife will apply some leniency and allow everyone to have some fun."
