As Euro 2024 kicked off in Munich, the Scottish fans, known for their hearty celebrations, lived up to their reputation spectacularly.
Arriving in droves for the inaugural match against Germany, they didn’t just bring their kilts and cheers but an insatiable thirst for German beer, leading to an unexpected beer shortage in one of Munich’s most beloved bars.
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A thirsty arrival
The festivities began even before the first whistle. By Thursday evening, the Scottish supporters had gathered at Marienplatz, Munich’s iconic central square. Their first stop? Woerner’s Bar, which, under the unanticipated deluge of orders, ran out of beer within hours of the Scots’ arrival. The situation was so dire that the establishment, along with others around the city, urgently reordered stocks to quench the thirst of not just the Scots but all soccer fans in town for the games.
Munich’s hospitality challenged
Munich is set to host three more group matches and significant later stage games, which anticipates even higher demands on local hospitality resources. Bars and beer gardens across Munich have been forewarned and are now better prepared for the influx, ensuring that stocks are plentiful for future celebrations.
The Scottish wave
The Scottish fans, affectionately known as the Tartan Army, have plans that extend beyond just watching their team play. They’re in Munich to make their presence felt, with Hamish Husband, a spokesperson for the Tartan Army Clubs, humorously noting the need for ample beer supplies to toast what they hope will be a historic win over Germany. He quipped, “It’s heartening to know that German bars and beer gardens are stocking up because we don’t want them to run out. They need to have stocks ready to celebrate the famous Scottish victory come Friday night.”
🎥 WATCH: The Tartan Army Pipe Band are here to welcome Scotland to Germany 🏴
The pipers are marching from Odeonsplatz to Marienplatz in the city centre of Munich. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/buUhJ90AJo
— Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) June 13, 2024
Ready for the festival
Despite their festive agenda, the Scottish fans will not stay long in Munich; their team’s subsequent matches are scheduled in Cologne and Stuttgart. However, until then, they’re set to enjoy every moment in Bavaria. Authorities estimate that between 100,000 and 200,000 Scots will travel to Germany for the tournament, with Munich’s Olympic Park fan zone alone capable of hosting 35,000 people.
Munich’s mega event management
German officials assert their readiness to manage the waves of fans expected to flood the fan zones, which could see up to 12 million visitors throughout the tournament. This influx presents a logistical challenge but also a festive opportunity for host cities to showcase their hospitality and for fans from across Europe to engage in a cultural exchange over the universal love of soccer.
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This article explores the vibrant impact of the Scottish fans at Euro 2024, showcasing their passionate support and the logistical challenges they bring to host cities. The Scots’ festive spirit and love for a good party highlight the cultural richness that international soccer fans contribute to major tournaments.
