Tartan Army Takes Over South Beach

On Monday, the Tartan Army made their lively presence felt at Lawndepot Park, where over 8,000 Scottish football fans gathered as the Marlins faced the Rangers. This event came just two days before Scotland was set to take on Brazil in a crucial World Cup group stage match.

This group of dedicated Scottish supporters has been traveling across the U.S. for Scotland’s World Cup games, gaining attention for their energetic festivities, which even included a visit to Fenway Park for a Red Sox game.

The lively atmosphere was recreated in Miami, even as the Marlins lost narrowly to the Rangers, 4-3. Fans really gave it their all that night.

Before the match, members of the Tartan Army paraded through Little Havana, with bagpipes echoing across the stadium grounds. It felt almost like a mini festival.

In a display of camaraderie, Marlins’ starting pitcher, Tyler Phillips, participated in the festivities, singing and chanting as he took the mound. A video captured fans singing “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie,” showcasing their spirited nature. Other recordings featured them belting out “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” filling the air with joy.

Sean Downey, a Scottish fan, shared that attending his first baseball game was quite the experience. He mentioned, with a chuckle, that while he didn’t know much about baseball, the vibe felt somewhat similar to a football match—perhaps it was the marching and overall energy that brought that feeling to life.

Although Monday’s game had an attendance of 20,008, the Marlins managed to deliver a warm welcome to the fans, akin to the reception they received during Scotland Day in Boston, where around 5,000 fans showed up to support their team.