The World Cup Runneth Over in Franklin

Above, Town of Franklin image, by way of Facebook

For five days in June, MetroWest became a place where the world came together—not only to watch soccer, but to celebrate cultures, communities and the universal language of sport.

More than two years in planning, the MetroWest Regional Fan Zone initiative generated 16,437 advance registrations for five days of free World Cup celebrations in Marlborough and Franklin, according to Stacey David, Executive Director of the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau.  As one of only a handful of officially licensed FIFA World Cup™ watch party experiences in Massachusetts, the initiative transformed two communities into vibrant gathering places where thousands of residents and visitors experienced the excitement of the tournament together. Attendees watched matches on giant LED screens while enjoying live music, local food and beverages, family activities, and dozens of local vendors, nonprofits and community organizations.

The celebration kicked off June 11-13 at Kelleher Field in Marlborough, where 8,726 people registered to attend three days of matches and festivities. Despite a record temp of 96 degrees, families with kids of all ages watched the opening ceremonies and the Mexico vs South Africa match on June 11. Enthusiastic crowds then packed the venue for the United States' victory over Paraguay before returning in force for Brazil's highly anticipated match against Morocco. Throughout the day, Kelleher Field became a sea of yellow as Brazilian supporters from across the state arrived wrapped in Brazilian flags and wearing Brazil jerseys, including even the youngest fans. Later that evening, Scottish supporters wearing kilts, Glengarries and national team jerseys brought their own traditions and enthusiasm to Haiti's match against Scotland, adding to the festival's international atmosphere.

The celebration continued June 24-25 at the Franklin Town Common and adjacent Hayward Manor, where nearly 4,000 people attended on Wednesday and an estimated 3,400 attended on Thursday following more than 7,700 advance registrations.

By kickoff, Hayward Manor had transformed into a patchwork of national colors. Canadian flags waved proudly during Switzerland vs. Canada, a sea of yellow Brazil jerseys stretched across the grass for Scotland vs. Brazil, and Ecuadorian supporters erupted in celebration after their team's dramatic upset victory over Germany, while German supporters raised glasses of Jack's Abby Craft Lagers in good spirits and applauded a memorable match.

While the games captivated adults, the Common belonged to the kids. Soccer balls rolled across the grass in every direction as children challenged each other at Franklin Youth Soccer's kick walls, posed for photos with New England Revolution’s defender Andrew Farrell and mascot Slyde, and raced to be first in line for the giant inflatable obstacle course, forming a queue almost as soon as it finished inflating. Kids cooled off with ice cream while adults relaxed with wine slushies from La Cantina Winery in the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden. Fifty-three vendors, including restaurants, breweries, retailers, nonprofits and community organizations, kept the festival buzzing throughout both days, with many food vendors enjoying steady lines from opening until the final whistle.

One of the event's most memorable surprises greeted organizers on the morning of June 25, when they discovered that members of Scotland's famed Tartan Army had "coned" the Ben Franklin statue outside the Franklin Public Library overnight—a lighthearted tradition that has become synonymous with Scottish soccer supporters around the world. Organizers embraced the gesture as a sign that MetroWest had earned a place among the Tartan Army's many welcoming host communities and were delighted to see Franklin become part of that tradition.

The Fan Zones were designed not only to create memorable World Cup experiences, but also to encourage visitors to discover everything MetroWest has to offer. Throughout both events, attendees explored local businesses, attractions and communities before and after the matches. One attendee shared that he went to Marlborough for the United States match because he didn't want to watch the game alone in his living room. Two weeks later, he returned to Franklin with Ecuadorian and German friends so they could cheer on their teams together—a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones.

"That's exactly what we hoped these Fan Zones would become,” said Stacey David, “places where people could celebrate with friends, neighbors and even strangers while exploring MetroWest."

The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau extends its sincere appreciation to the City of Marlborough, the Town of Franklin, the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation, the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, the Anglican Church of the Redeemer who owns Hayward Manor, municipal staff, public safety personnel, volunteers, community partners, media partners, and the many organizations whose collaboration, generosity and countless hours of work brought this ambitious regional initiative to life. Special thanks also go to sponsors Michelob Ultra, Southwick's Zoo, Dean College and Brazilian Times, as well as partner Lawson's Finest Liquids, for helping make these free community celebrations possible.

As the final whistle blew on five unforgettable days of soccer, the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones had accomplished far more than creating places to watch matches. They created places where strangers became friends, neighbors celebrated alongside visitors from around the world, and communities came together through a shared love of the world's game.

The events were free to everyone thanks to more than $200,000 in privately raised cash and in-kind contributions, along with $170,000 in state grant funding through the Sports & Entertainment Events Fund Grant administered by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

Franklin Director of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Cory Shea, who was deeply involved in bringing the event to Franklin, is seeking feedback from residents on their experiences with the two-day Fanzone. Here is the link.

Below, the Franklin 250 Celebration Committee booth, one of more than a dozen at FanZone.

Below Cory Shea hangs out with Slyde the Fox, mascot of the New England Revolution.