Boston thankfully changed its stance on tailgating at FIFA World Cup matches
· Yahoo Sports
The World Cup is often an opportunity for the host nation to blend its sporting experience and culture within a global event. And when it comes to the U.S., tailgating is a uniquely American aspect of that fan experience.
That's what made it so disappointing when the Boston host committee banned tailgating for its matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. The host committee had initially cited the ban as a FIFA policy but removed that portion from its site once FIFA said it had no such official stance on tailgating.
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After two weeks of speculation about tailgating both in Boston and at the other host sites, Boston has officially reversed course on its decision. Tailgating will be allowed at the stadium's seven World Cup matches — though the parking capacity will be more limited than what New England Patriots fans are used to on NFL game days.
Via the Associated Press:
The committee said the shift conforms with local policies that allow tailgating “like any other event hosted at the stadium as there are no venue restrictions or local public safety restrictions in place that would prohibit it.”
Space will be severely reduced from what is normally available. There are about 20,000 parking spots available for Patriots games, but there will be only around 5,000 for public use during the World Cup.
It's better late than never. And hopefully, more stadiums make tailgating an established feature of the World Cup experience. For all that's wrong with the build-up to this tournament, tailgating is an opportunity to merge sports cultures with an American tradition.
That's what this tournament should be about instead of price gouging fans at every turn.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Boston to allow tailgating at FIFA World Cup matches