There’s more to soccer culture than the professional game, which is why we’ve put together guides for each of MLS’ 19 markets. Whether you’re just dropping in on vacation or hitting the road with your fellow supporters, here’s the lowdown on what to do and how to do it.
SOCCER CULTURE
Soccer culture is alive, well and thriving in New England on the heels of another World Cup, the renewed success of the Revolution and a rich history in the sport.
At times held down by a curmudgeonly old-guard sports mindset, the soccer-heads are starting to peek through the crowded environment and make Boston a five-sport hub of excellence. A big-city home base would surely push the needle in the beautiful game's favor.
WHERE TO PLAY
If you’re looking for some league action, you can’t go wrong with Boston Ski and Sports Club, Bay State Soccer League, Mass State Soccer League or Casa Soccer League of Boston, which offer up a wide range from easy going rec leagues to hardcore.
If you’re just looking for a place to play, try Boston Athletic Club, or outside of the city try Newton Indoor Sports Center, Canton Sports Plex or Greater Boston Indoor Sports Center in Revere.
For a last-minute pickup game, there’s always Magazine Beach Park along the Charles River in Cambridge.
LOCAL CUISINE
- North End: The tight-knit and tight-quartered neighborhood is home to some of the best Italian food in a place not named Italy.
- Faneuil Hall: Sure, it’s as touristy as you can get in Boston, but the food court is filled with endless delicacies and numerous restaurants, bars and shops fill the surrounding Quincy Marketplace. A something-for-everybody destination.
- Waterfront: Boston’s new Waterfront district is the perfect spot when the weather turns favorable. Museums and restaurants dot a landscape that provides picturesque views of the city and the harbor. Legal Test Kitchen is a must for the seafood enthusiast.
- Honorable mentions:Santarpio's, Boston Burger Company, Stacked Donuts
SOCCER BARS
- The Banshee (Dorchester): A big breakfast, a pint and your favorite EPL club on a Saturday morning. Roman Abramovich even stopped by once to catch a Chelsea match.
- Lir (Boston): Perfectly situated in Boston’s Back Bay, this spiffy Irish pub offers up brunch on weekend matchdays.
- Phoenix Landing (Cambridge, Mass.): Dubbing themselves the Alternative Irish Bar, the Landing sits in Cambridge’s Central Square and offers up a variety of international sporting events.
WHERE TO VISIT
- Fenway Park: From an American Soccer League match in the 1930's to last year’s friendly between Liverpool and AS Roma, Fenway is more than just a baseball stadium. Just don’t tell that to anyone wearing a Sox hat.
- Boston Common: The city’s grassy oasis. Look for the Oneida Foot Ball Club plaque, commemorating the grounds where “the first organized football club in the United States played against all comers.”
- USS Constitution: Obviously it’s a region rich with history, so a visit to the most famous United States Naval vessel, located at Charlestown Navy Yard, is worthwhile.
- Honorable mentions: Harvard Square, Charles River Esplanade, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum and Library
MATCHDAY
There is no denying the passion of a New England sports fan, and that holds true for soccer as much as it does for the rest of the major sports teams in the area. The heart, the voice and the appreciation is just as vibrant for the Revs, which shows through in the stands.
MATCHDAY TIPS:
Since the Kraft family’s ambitious Patriot Place shopping and dining plaza snuggled up alongside Gillette Stadium, there has been an added level of pre- and postgame options that most other places can’t compare. From a movie theater to themed bars, coffee shops and boutiques, there is plenty to see and do.
Unfortunately there are no public transportation options to Gillette Stadium, so driving is a must. It is about 35 minutes south of Boston, but parking on match day is free.
Seek out the supporters groups in the parking lots. The Midnight Riders and the Rebellion are pretty easy to find by flag or tent, and are always extremely warm and welcoming.
