This summer, Boston will host seven matches at Gillette Stadium from June 13 to July 9. Whether you’re a superfan with die-hard allegiances or a newbie excited to check out the game in person, here’s our guide for how to best enjoy the soccer (or football) on and off the field.
GETTING THERE
By Train: Skip the traffic and arrive on game day in about an hour on the train from South Station. One train, the Boston Stadium Train, will run directly to Gillette on match days, with no stops in between. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and a same-day World Cup match ticket is required. mbta.com
By Car: Driving from Boston to Gillette on a good day takes about an hour. But on game days, expect to triple that. For the most stress-free experience, leave plenty of time and purchase a parking spot in advance. gillettestadium.com
Avoid the traffic to Gillette Stadium entirely with the World's Games Jet Card from Magellan Jets.
By Jet: With the World’s Games
Jet Card from Magellan Jets, up to eight people can travel on a Bombardier Challenger 300 across six World Cup host cities. Clients will start in Boston and, between June 13 and June 27, make stops in Atlanta, Toronto, Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey and Miami. Included in the package is in-flight catering and luxury ground transportation to the stadiums as well as a dedicated personal concierge to help arrange hotel bookings, restaurant reservations and special requests. magellanjets.com
WHERE TO STAY
Raffles, Boston
The hotel’s Sky to Stadium experience includes a 3-night stay in the Presidential Suite, complete with a Match Day Butler dedicated to overseeing all the details.
The interior of the Presidential Suite at Raffles, Boston.
Guests depart Boston via a private 6-minute helicopter ride to a nearby airport, where a chauffeured car brings them directly to Gillette Stadium, where two premium seats await. Also included is a 90-minute Equilibrium Ritual at the hotel’s Guerlain Spa. 40 Trinity Pl., raffles.com/boston
The Liberty
Book the GOALden Legendary Experience during any of the Boston match dates and get a minimum of three nights in the Ebersol Presidential Suite with a 270-degree panoramic view of Boston through floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive patio. Also included are two premium seats to a selected match, two autographed jerseys, private helicopter transfer from Logan Airport and private luxury vehicle transportation to and from the matches. 215 Charles St., libertyhotel.com
XV Beacon
The hotel’s World Cup at XV Beacon offers a bespoke, fully orchestrated, curated experience for two. Enjoy a multi-night stay in one of the signature luxury suites with soccer-inspired amenities and private round-trip transportation to and from the stadium. 15 Beacon St., xvbeacon.com
Cambria
Arrive at the stadium stress-free in a private black car transfer from the hotel on match day. 6 West Broadway, cambriaboston.com
WHERE TO WATCH
Fan Festival
Connect with fans from around the world and down the street at the city’s free, tournament-long festival in City Hall Plaza. Giant screens will broadcast the matches, and food trucks will provide the food and drinks. Get ready to cheer, see live entertainment and be prepared for plenty of surprises. 1 City Hall Square, fifa.com
The design-forward interior of Rocco's Sport & Rec.
Rocco’s Sport & Rec
The newest sports bar to open in Boston marries chef-driven dining with thoughtful interiors. Custom-built, high-definition screens are strategically placed to ensure every seat has a clear view, and craft cocktails mean no more lukewarm pitchers for the table. 250 B St., gotoroccos.com
Cambridge United - Where The World Comes Together
Hit up one of the seven free outdoor events spread across Cambridge to catch live match screenings on a big screen with food from local restaurants, many representing the cultures of the nations playing that day. cambridgema.gov
Lansdowne Pub
Fenway’s Irish pub will host viewing parties on its patio and offer food and drink specials celebrating the countries playing in each match. 9 Lansdowne St., lansdownepubboston.com
The Banshee
This Dorchester pub is a legendary soccer bar that shows Premier League, Champions League and World Cup games, appealing to an international crowd. For this year’s World Cup, they aim to be the city’s go-to viewing destination, with every match shown live in HD on a big screen with full sound. 934 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, bansheeboston.com
Phoenix Landing
Historically a Liverpool supporters’ club, the intimate space fills up for big matches. Featuring a typical U.K. football vibe, no doubt the fans will show up in droves for the England/Ghana match. 512 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, thephoenixlanding.com
Parlor Sports
This small sports bar next to popular industry hangout Trina’s Starlite Lounge attracts an alternative hipster crowd. This is the place to catch women’s sports and Premier League action. Fans in the know always come early to make sure they can grab a spot where the action is always high-energy. 1 Beacon St., Somerville, @parlorsports
Caffè dello Sport
A classic Italian bar with two locations in East Boston and in the heart of the North End. The crowd gets lively during Serie A and Champions League, and will be sure to bring the energy for the World Cup. 973 Saratoga St. and 308 Hanover St., caffedellosport.net
Soccer fans enjoying a game at Dillon's.
Dillon’s
The prime Back Bay location and coveted patio make this spot a popular choice, from tourists to students to international sports fans. A home bar for the Boston Gooners, the city’s Arsenal FC supporters, the place gets packed for U.K. matches. 955 Boylston St., dillonsboston.com
The Anchor
The two-tiered outdoor venue in Charlestown’s Navy Yard will be the hub for all things Scotland. They’ll host watch parties for all three games and offer Scottish food and drink specials. 1 Shipyard Park, Charlestown, theanchorboston.com
The Haven
Boston’s favorite Scottish bar is hosting a three-day ticketed event called Home Ground from June 12 to June 14. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces will be dedicated to all things football, with giant screens for match-watching parties, tented viewing areas, specialty bars, food trucks, DJs and live music from MacDouble and The Tartan Back Four. Expect special guest appearances, live comedy and entertainment in between matches and VIP experiences. And yes, there will be plenty of ice-cold Tennent’s. 284 Armory St., Jamaica Plain, thehavenjp.com
A packed Gillette Stadium.
WHERE TO EAT
Davio’s
The iconic Italian steakhouse, which has been a Boston staple since its first location on Arlington St. in the 1980s, has a location about a five-minute walk from Gillette Stadium. For the World Cup, there will be a special Macallan Lounge during the games featuring passed appetizers, whiskey cocktails and tastings. 236 Patriot Place, Foxborough, davios.com
Trillium
Just about halfway between Boston and Gillette Stadium is Trillium Brewery, the perfect place to take a break from the traffic and grab a bite. Enjoy upscale bar food and craveable wood-oven pizza at a table in the cavernous industrial room or at a stool at the long wraparound bar. If the weather’s nice, head outside to the expansive patio for some fresh air. 100 Royall St., Canton, trilliumbrewing.com
Union Straw
Just as you arrive in Foxborough, it’s worth it to make a brief detour for a bite before entering the stadium. This upscale bistro gives favorite comfort foods a fresh, seasonal twist, like the crab rangoon flatbread, the farmer’s market lo mein and the salmon panzanella. 8 Mechanic St., Foxborough, unionstraw.com
Luciano’s
Although the decor still reflects its 1991 opening, the food is worth the trip. Just a short five-minute drive past the stadium, find Roman chef Luciano Canova’s cuisine featuring housemade pastas and an extensive menu of classic Italian dishes made with freshly imported ingredients. 800 Washington St., Wrentham, lucianoswrentham.com
SCHEDULE
6/13 Haiti vs Scotland
6/16 Iraq vs Norway
6/19 Scotland vs Morocco
6/23 England vs Ghana
6/26 Norway vs France
6/29 Round of 32
7/9 Quarter Finals
