UMVA has learned that a popular pub in Boston has become a hotspot for fans during the World Cup, with the venue preparing for an influx of England supporters ahead of Tuesday's match against Ghana.
The Dubliner Pub, a hub for Scotland's Tartan Army during their matches in Massachusetts, has been forced to rent extra fridges and draft staff from across the city to cope with demand. Bar manager Brian McDonnell said preparations were already underway for another surge in customers.
The pub has become a staple for Scottish fans, who have been packing the venue throughout their stay in the city. McDonnell said the World Cup had transformed business at the pub, even on days that would normally be quiet. "In general, we're one of the busier bars in the city, so on Thursday, Friday and Saturday we'd be slammed regardless," he said.
But on a Monday night, the pub would normally be quiet, with only two bartenders on duty. However, during the World Cup, the pub has been bustling, with a queue down the street and record numbers of customers. McDonnell said Scotland supporters had exceeded expectations during their time in Boston, with fans causing zero problems and showing exemplary behavior.
With England fans now descending on Boston, McDonnell expects another large turnout. He joked that the Scots had set a high standard with regard to partying and behavior, and hoped the English could follow suit. The pub has brought in extra staff from sister bars elsewhere in Boston to help cope with demand and has been receiving deliveries of beer nearly every day.
The venue's keg room is being pushed to its limits, with McDonnell saying they "have to stay way up on stock." The pub has even rented a couple of mobile fridge units to ensure a constant supply of cold beer. McDonnell said the World Cup had been a game-changer for the pub, with fans telling him it's one of the best vacations they've ever taken.
