Massachusetts Eyes Permanent Late-Night Bar, Transit Hours After 5,000 Scottish Fans Lift World Cup
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 19
Massachusetts Eyes Permanent Late-Night Bar, Transit Hours After 5,000 Scottish Fans Lift World Cup
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 19
Summary
Maura Healey said Massachusetts is open to making World Cup-era later bar hours and extended MBTA service permanent after Scottish supporters helped turn the tournament into an economic and cultural boost.
5,000 Scotland fans marching with bagpipes, packed restaurants and bars, and sold-out trains helped ease pre-tournament worries about security and transport, with Healey saying the pilot showed the measures can work.
1,100 free tickets were distributed through Boys and Girls Clubs, and the state made $10 million available for local watch parties to widen access as FIFA ticket prices limited attendance.
Healey also said she recently backed restoring happy hour and wants broader late-night transit, though she flagged budget, labor and maintenance constraints as the main obstacles.
The governor cast the World Cup changes as part of a longer-term push to make Massachusetts more attractive to young residents and visitors beyond the tournament.