New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has personally invited a 300-strong contingent of the Tartan Army to attend his team's NFL clash against the Detroit Lions in Munich on November 15. The gesture comes as a thank-you for the Scotland supporters' unforgettable impact during the World Cup in Boston, where they drank bars dry and took over Fenway Park.
Special Invitation from Patriots Billionaire
Davie Hood, co-founder of Providence Tartan Army alongside Mike Teevans, helped organise yellow school buses that ferried fans to Scotland games at Gillette Stadium. The 60-year-old from Balloch revealed the surprise invitation arrived after organisers built a close relationship with Patriots officials while assisting thousands of supporters.
Davie said: "Out of the blue two weeks ago we got a message from them that the owner of the New England Patriots, Robert Kraft, would like to thank the Tartan Army for everything we did in Boston. He has invited us over to Munich where they will be taking on the Detroit Lions. They said they wanted a good Tartan Army presence there to show their thanks. They are holding events before the match and want it filled with the Tartan Army and bagpipes."
Plans for Travel to Switzerland
The plan is now being worked on to help supporters travel from Munich to Switzerland after the NFL game, ahead of Scotland's Nations League fixture against Switzerland the following day. This would give fans a chance to return to the city where the Tartan Army created unforgettable scenes during Euro 2024, including huge pre-match celebrations in Marienplatz.
Davie said: "If we can get the Tartan Army over to Munich before the game versus Switzerland, it means we can have a run out there and relive some memories from the 2024 Euros before seeing the American football."
Overwhelming Response
The response has stunned organisers, with around 500 fans showing interest in making the trip. The New England Patriots have confirmed they will set aside 300 tickets for the Tartan Army in the same section and will pay for two buses to take fans to Switzerland post-match.
Davie continued: "I was thinking we might get 20 to 30 takers but so far we have had interest from around 500 people. The owner of the Patriots wants us there, so who are we to disappoint?"
The Daily Record previously reported that the Patriots owner was clamouring for an NFL game to be brought to Scotland after witnessing the passion of the Tartan Army. Davie added: "I think the Patriots are looking for a bit of the action that we brought to Fenway to create a bit of atmosphere. I can’t believe Scotland fans were so amazing in Boston that we’ve even impacted the owner of one of the biggest American football teams. The owner wants us to bring a couple of pipers over too. It’s phenomenal the bond which has been created between Scotland and New England. It’s a cracking invite and hopefully we can turn it into even more of a spectacle."
After believing Scotland’s Euro 2024 experience in Germany could never be topped, Davie says the Patriots invite has left supporters stunned. He said: "When the offer came in, inviting the Tartan Army to Munich, it left us speechless, all we could think was, ‘Wow’. It's combining our two best experiences following Scotland into one."
