FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — Boston is alive with excitement as Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expresses her gratitude to the thousands of Scottish soccer fans who have flooded the city between Scotland’s initial match against Haiti last weekend and today’s game against Morocco.
The unexpected enthusiasm of the tournament is bringing joy to Gov. Healey’s office. The Scottish supporters are pouring money into the local economy, starring in uplifting viral videos, and consuming large amounts of Sam Adams Boston Lager.
Earlier this week, the governor — who is aiming for a seemingly straightforward re-election this year — discussed with POLITICO the lasting benefits Massachusetts might derive from the World Cup, such as extended bar operating hours and improved mass-transit services.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Were you expecting this?
Absolutely, as they say, “No Scotland, no party.” The Tartan Army’s reputation certainly precedes them in the most positive way. We anticipated they would bring immense energy, joy, and enthusiasm. The sound of bagpipes, the lively atmosphere in our restaurants and bars—it’s been fantastic. Considering the warm weather, seeing many of them sporting kilts is truly remarkable.
What has stood out to you?
In just a few days, the Tartan Army has integrated into the Massachusetts community. They’ve become regulars at local dining spots and pubs, and have even taken over Fenway Park. Watching 5,000 fans march with bagpipes into the games, seeing viral videos of them trying hot dogs at Fenway, and witnessing them taking over cruise ships in Boston Harbor has been incredible. A Boston police officer even joined in a soccer match with them at the fanfest. It’s been a truly wonderful experience for us, and we are delighted to host them.
Do you have plans to capitalize on this beyond the World Cup?
Scotland-Haiti was our inaugural match, and we were thrilled. Massachusetts has a significant Haitian community. Many residents also have Scottish roots. From the moment Scottish fans arrived, they set a joyful and energetic tone for the World Cup. Despite concerns about logistics and security prior to the event, the Scottish fans established a welcoming atmosphere focused on fun and global unity. They have really shaped our World Cup experience from the start.
Have the ticket prices charged by FIFA had an impact on that?
I was determined to ensure young people in Massachusetts could attend the games. We secured 1,100 tickets distributed through Boys and Girls Clubs, allowing kids who might not have had the opportunity to attend for free. Additionally, we allocated $10 million to support community watch parties across Massachusetts, recognizing that not everyone can afford game tickets.
And as the governor of a blue state, how were your interactions with the Trump administration on planning for the tournament?
Public safety requires collaboration among local, state, and federal authorities. We coordinated efforts on transportation and security funding, which is essential for effective planning and execution.
At the local level, would you support either a pilot program or a permanent extension of later last call and public drinking districts after the end of July? And would you encourage the legislature to start working on a bill about this?
We aimed to create a welcoming atmosphere, and the extension has supported local businesses and enhanced the fan experience. I’m open to making some of these changes permanent, and this event offers an excellent opportunity to test the concept.
Do you see it as a runway for allowing happy hour discounts, which have been banned in Massachusetts for decades, to become legal again? Because you’ve previously expressed problems with the concept.
I expressed support for happy hour recently. We’ll continue discussions with the legislature on this topic.
And in terms of the transport would you consider keeping extended service hours on the MBTA?
I’ve always supported extended service hours. It’s a matter of balancing budget constraints and labor costs while ensuring necessary maintenance. We extended weekend hours before the World Cup, and I hope to expand this across the system. Transportation has been efficient, with trains in high demand and providing a smooth experience for fans traveling to and from matches.
I think some Scotland fans would maybe dispute that it was easy getting back from the [Haiti] match, but I guess it’s all relative when the stadium is far away from the city.
I understand. We can only run so many trains at a time. But they won, so there’s that…
I understand it’s a challenge to keep young people in state. Are these measures you approved for a summer of intense tourism part of a longer-term solution?
These efforts are crucial in showcasing Massachusetts as a vibrant and attractive place for young people. We are building homes to address housing costs and promoting our state as a hub of innovation in life sciences, robotics, and AI. With top-notch education and healthcare, Massachusetts offers a safe and thriving environment for study, business, and family life. We aim to spread this message globally, highlighting our strengths and opportunities.
Lisa Kashinsky contributed to this report.
