Scotland Fans Flock to Boston for World Cup, Straining Beer Supplies

In Boston, a celebratory atmosphere has taken over as Scotland fans descended on the city for the country’s ninth World Cup appearance. Planning for the event began as soon as fans discovered they would be starting in Boston. Jason Waddleton, a Scotland native and the owner of The Haven, a Scottish restaurant and bar in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood, expected a large turnout of the Tartan Army, and he was correct.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey approved a temporary extension of bar and restaurant hours for the World Cup. This allowed thousands of Scottish fans, with estimates reaching as high as 50,000, to enjoy the festivities in the Boston area and nearby Providence, R.I.

Scottish fans celebrated their opening World Cup win over Haiti by marching through Boston’s streets. They took over Fenway Park for a “Scottish Heritage Celebration Night” alongside Red Sox Nation. This influx has put a significant strain on the beer supply. Boston, accustomed to large drinking holidays like St. Patrick’s Day and the Fourth of July, wasn’t prepared for such a demand.

The Haven, which usually serves four kegs a week of Scotland’s top-selling beer, Tennent’s Lager, increased orders to 50 kegs for the week. Various bars quickly sold out of Tennent’s, tripling their orders to avoid further shortages. Sam Adams reported its Boston taproom ran out of Samuel Adams Boston Lager due to the Scottish fans’ presence.

“We’ve basically blown through our own allocation. We still have it and we’ll get more in on Monday,” Waddleton stated.

The excitement grew even further as Scotland prepared for its second World Cup match near Boston. Scots are known for their partying, their friendliness, and their ability to influence others positively.

Fans filled pubs across the Boston area, and Tennent’s Lager became a highly sought-after drink. Before the tournament, Tennent’s arranged to distribute kegs to 80 bars around Boston. Samantha Crawford, Tennent’s international marketing manager, noted the preparations began as soon as Scotland qualified for the World Cup. They ensured a supply of their product in the U.S., including Miami, ahead of Scotland’s match against Brazil.

The surge caught many bars and restaurants by surprise. Mivan Spencer, owner of Caffe Dello Sport in Boston’s North End, noted, “After the first weekend of matches, I definitely ran out of almost everything.” He managed by borrowing supplies from his other restaurants.

Similarly, at High Street Place, a downtown Boston food hall, a week’s worth of beverages was consumed in four days. Lauren Johnson, the venue’s senior marketplace manager, praised the rapid response by their distributors in meeting the increased demand.

Sam Adams had to arrange multiple “emergency deliveries” to its taproom as the Tartan Army consumed four times the usual amount of Boston Lager during a typical four-day holiday period. Devon Sage, a Sam Adams spokesperson, highlighted that over 4,000 pints led to 90 empty kegs.

In addition to the bustling beer scene, local politicians joined the World Cup enthusiasm. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attended fan festivals and viewing parties. Governor Healey proclaimed June 18 as “World Cup Fans Appreciation Day,” serving drinks at The Haven and bringing joy to patrons. Although Jason Waddleton humorously noted, “Maura Healey needs to learn how to pour a pint before getting that Sunday shift she asked for. But we can work on that.”