Thousands of Scotland fans march through Miami ahead of World Cup match
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Billy the Marlin was not close to the zaniest character in Little Havana. Photo: Martin Vassolo/Axios
The Tartan Army took over Calle Ocho on Monday as thousands of Scottish soccer fans marched through Little Havana ahead of Wednesday's World Cup clash against Brazil.
- Two days before the critical match at Hard Rock Stadium, the Scots warmed up with some day drinking and a march to the Marlins game Monday.
Why it matters: The Scottish fans have endeared themselves to the American public with cheerful, booze-fueled partying often accompanied by bagpipes, singing and giving money to charity.
- After partying in Boston for their first two World Cup matches, the Scots have brought their trademark flair to Miami — including placing traffic cones on statues from downtown to South Beach.
Driving the news: The Tartan Army partied at Ball and Chain on Monday afternoon before marching to the Marlins game — joined by Miami police, bagpipers and curious onlookers.
- Despite the high humidity and 91-degree heat, many Scots donned their kilts for the nearly mile-long trek up Southwest 15th Avenue.
- Before the march, Miami police estimated that between 2,000 and 10,000 fans were expected to take part.
- Along the route, fans chanted "No Scotland, No Party" and waved to locals filming them from their driveways. They also made sure to recycle their beer cans.
- About 8,000 Scottish fans were attending the game, per the Miami Herald. The Marlins had a special package that included two beers or other beverages per ticket.
What they're saying: Graeme Taylor, a Scotland native currently living in France, traveled to Boston and Miami for the World Cup. He said he hopes the Magic City embraces the Tartan Army like Boston did.
- "There's no trouble. Everyone is having a great time, everybody is friendly."
- "We don't come here to win, we come here to enjoy ourselves. And if we win, even better."
Friction point: Taylor, who was wearing a kilt as he marched down Northwest 15th Avenue, told Axios the heat didn't bother him too much.
- "It's part of our traditional wear. You just wear it. It doesn't matter how hot it is. You man up, you get on with it. The beer cools you down."
Zoom in: Little Havana resident Adolfo Gonzalez, who stood on the sidewalk watching the procession, told Axios he's lived in the neighborhood his whole life and had never seen something like it.
- "I think it's really cool that they're here. It's cool that we get to host the World Cup."
Stunning stat: The Scottish men's team is playing in its first World Cup in 28 years and hopes to advance out of the group stage of the tournament for the first time ever.
- Fun fact: Tartan refers to the crosshatched design on kilts.
What's next: The Scots will be marching again Tuesday on Ocean Drive in South Beach at 2pm.
- Scottish rock band High Fade are playing the Miami Beach Bandshell on Tuesday at 7pm — and the venue is giving away a free pint to ticket holders wearing a kilt or Scotland shirt.
- Wednesday's match against Brazil is at 6pm at Hard Rock Stadium.
- Before the match, many fans will gather at Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub in Hollywood, Mickey Burkes in South Beach or Bokamper's in Fort Lauderdale, and then take buses to Hard Rock, per the Herald.