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Fenway hosts Scotland Day as Tartan Army floods Boston

ESPN Soccer •
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Boston’s Fenway Park turned into a Scottish showcase Sunday night after the U.S. anthem faded. The Tartan Army, fresh from Scotland’s 1‑0 victory over Haiti at Gillette Stadium, flooded the city’s bars and then marched to the ballpark. Their presence marked the first World Cup appearance for Scotland in 28 years, igniting a transatlantic celebration.

Around midnight the Red Sox hosted Scotland Day, featuring a bagpipe‑led march from Evans Way Park to Fenway. Organizers estimated 5,000 participants, though thousands more packed the stands for the game against the Texas Rangers. Fans received free shirts merging the Red Sox logo with the Scottish flag, mascots donned kilts, and “Super John McGinn” blared between innings.

The festivities won’t fade quickly; Scotland heads to Gillette again Friday to face Morocco. Boston’s bars and Fenway have become unofficial viewing hubs, reinforcing the city’s reputation for embracing international sport. The Tartan Army’s visibility also highlights soccer’s growing footprint in a market dominated by baseball, giving local fans a rare cultural crossover.

Boston’s mayor praised the event as a boost to tourism, noting increased hotel bookings and restaurant traffic. Local businesses reported a surge in Scottish‑themed merchandise sales, while the Red Sox organization plans to repeat the cultural tie‑in next season if fan response remains strong.