“It’s hot, too hot. Very, very hot,” says Clark from Dalkeith, standing on a sidewalk in Miami. “I could use a little Arctic blast for about half an hour to cool down.”
We’re outside the Auld Dubliner in downtown, where a bunch of Scots have gathered to watch the England game—and apparently not just to enjoy their misfortune (at least not at first). The mood is lively, locals are showing up to join in, and nobody seems tired of drinking yet.
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“Everyone loves the Scots,” says Clark’s friend Graeme, from Perth, who seems to think plenty of local women have fallen for his accent since he arrived. “You know, our reputation is global. It’s well deserved. We’re good guys.” He adds in a whisper: “It’s just the English that people don’t like.”
Florida is now the Tartan Army’s new home base, after they all moved from Boston last weekend for the big Group C match against Brazil on Wednesday. A wave of attention has followed them, from both the media and the public. Floridians seem eager to have their fun and claim the Tartan Army as their own, taking over from Bostonians, who are still upset about their departure and note that the arriving English just aren’t as fun.
On Monday night, the baseball game between the Miami Marlins and Texas Rangers turned into a big event for the Scots. They brought the same energy and songs to LoanDepot Park that they had at Fenway Park ten days earlier. This time, though, everyone knew it was coming. TV coverage kept one camera fixed on the stands, and the crowd got a boost from locals wanting to capture the moment for history.
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Members of the Tartan Army attend the Major League Baseball match between the Miami Marlins and Texas Rangers at LoanDepot Park. Photograph: JC Ruiz/PA
“Scotsmaxxing” has become something of an American pastime. Local politicians were there to welcome the Tartan Army to Ocean Drive for a formal march along the boardwalk. Bars, fiercely competing for traveling customers, are putting up signs in their windows that say “we’ve got beer,” referencing the legend of the Tartan Army drinking Boston dry. But it’s not all good news—someone has also taken it upon themselves to remix “No Scotland, no party” in the style of Pitbull.
A lot of this fascination says as much about America as it does about the Scots. Locals are thriving on the curiosity traveling fans show toward their country. They also seem genuinely excited to be around people whose main goal is to have a good time. In Boston, the general feeling was that the city center hadn’t been this lively in years. Miami, better known as a party town, now gets its turn.
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Scotland fans march along Ocean Drive on Tuesday. Photograph: Amanda Perobelli/Reuters
Miami is quite different from Boston, though, and not just because of its tropical weather. Sitting outside the Auld Dubliner, Chris from Glasgow said he missed New England. “I like Boston better because everything was closer,” he says. “The beach is great, but it’s pretty far away. The people are just as nice as in Boston, but they’re all from Colombia and Argentina, and they’re hard to understand.”
With about 24 hours until kick-off, there were plans to return to the Marlins, where a bond had formed with the team’s fiery pitcher Tyler Philips (on Monday night, he said he could feel the energy from the stands “in my chest”). Every bar is likely to be packed, with two-hour queues to get into the fanzone as everyone tries to get a piece of the tartan action.
There’s also the small matter of the Seleção coming to town. Clark says any Brazilians he has met have been “great craic,” though otherThey said they had only run into the rival fans at their hotel. People expect a big gathering of both groups before the match, and videos will likely follow soon after.
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Brazil and Scotland supporters already gathering on Ocean Drive. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
As for the game and Scotland’s chances of making it past the group stage for the first time in World Cup history, the traveling fans’ confidence hasn’t wavered. “My heart says 1-0 Scotland, my head says 1-1,” says Graeme, adding that either result would be enough to advance. Clark says, “I think Brazil will win, but I’m very hopeful Scotland will still qualify. If we only lose 1-0, we’ll go through.”
With that, it was time to head back to the bar, where the game had restarted and someone had just placed a traffic cone among a pile of empty glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the Scotsmaxxing takes over Ocean Drive event written in a natural tone with clear direct answers
Frequently Asked Questions Scotsmaxxing on Ocean Drive
1 What exactly is Scotsmaxxing
Its a fun informal term for Scottish football fans going allout to celebrate their culture and team Think kilts bagpipes singing and friendly loud partying
2 Why is the Tartan Army taking over Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive in Miami is a famous party spot After a World Cup match or during the tournament Scottish fans gather there to keep the party going turning it into a massive openair celebration
3 Is this a real event or just a joke
Its a real spontaneous gathering of fans While Scotsmaxxing is a playful internet term the actual takeover of Ocean Drive by thousands of happy kiltwearing fans happens whenever Scotland qualifies for a major tournament
4 Do I need a ticket to join the party on Ocean Drive
No The takeover happens in public spacesbars sidewalks and the street itself You just show up and join the fun No ticket required
5 Is it safe Will there be trouble
The Tartan Army is famous worldwide for being friendly wellbehaved and nonviolent The vibe is usually very positive with lots of singing and selfies As with any big crowd just watch your belongings and stay hydrated
6 What should I wear if I want to join in
A kilt is the classic choice but any Scottish gear worksScotland football shirt tartan scarf or even just a blue and white outfit The more tartan the better
7 What songs will they be singing
Youll hear classics like Flower of Scotland Yes Sir I Can Boogie 500 Miles and many football terrace chants The singing is nonstop and very loud
8 Is this only for Scottish people
Absolutely not Everyone is welcome The Tartan Army loves to share the party with locals and fans from other countries Expect to be handed a drink and asked to join a conga line
