Fifa bans England and Scotland fans from tailgating at Boston World Cup
England and Scotland supporters will be prohibited from traditional American tailgating before their World Cup matches at Boston Stadium due to strict Fifa regulations.
The ban impacts seven fixtures at the venue, which is typically home to the NFL’s New England Patriots.
Fans travelling to Massachusetts for the tournament will not be allowed to gather around parked cars to eat and drink before kick-off.
The world governing body has implemented the restriction to manage crowds and control the official pre-match atmosphere.
Impact on travelling supporters
The newly-rebranded arena will host several key group stage matches during the prestigious tournament.
Steve Clarke’s side are scheduled to face Haiti on 14 June and Morocco five days later.
The Three Lions will then take on Ghana at the same venue on 23 June.
Other affected nations include France, Norway and Iraq, who all play fixtures at the stadium.
Tailgating is deeply ingrained in American sporting culture, but the practice has never been widely adopted by British football fans.
Official fan zones replace car park gatherings
The local conduct section of the official tournament website explicitly outlines the ban.
“Please note that the traditional ‘tailgating’ (eating and drinking around parked cars) is not permitted for these events per FIFA policy.”
Matchgoers are instead being directed towards official fan experiences located near the ground.
Ticket holders will have access to exclusive restaurants, bars and shops situated within the nearby Patriot Place complex.
Supporters have also been reminded that possessing an open container of alcohol in public spaces remains illegal under Massachusetts state law.
Pre-match security protocols
Gates at the Boston venue will open three hours before every scheduled kick-off.
Organisers have urged attendees to arrive at least 90 minutes early to clear comprehensive security searches.
Fans are additionally advised to remain within the official zones after the final whistle to avoid long travel queues.
