Almost four months after promising residents “a safe and secure and successful World Cup in Massachusetts,” Gov. Maura Healey’s administration on Monday shared the numbers behind what it says made the weeks surrounding the seven matches and numerous celebrations a success:
- 447,283 fans attended seven matches at “Boston Stadium” in Foxborough
- 160,000 attendees from 108 countries visited Boston’s FIFA Fan Festival
- 98 round-trip trains between South Station and Foxboro Station (14 per match)
- More than 108,940 round-trip train tickets sold (at $80 per ticket)
- 100% of MBTA trains arrived at the stadium with at least 90 minutes before kickoff for every match
- More than 26,400 cans of water, 28,500 sunscreen packets, 44,000 ponchos, 25,000 hand sanitizer wipes, and 15,600 bug repellents distributed through a MassDOT/Department of Public Health partnership
- 107 emergency medical service transports tracked from Gillette Stadium, ranging from seven to 24 transports per match
- 260 motorcycle escort missions to transport teams, dignitaries and officials
- 85 Massachusetts National Guard members activated to support stadium security
- 6,863 vehicles screened, 1,346 unattended bags assessed and cleared, and 619 security sweeps completed by a multi-agency team at the stadium
- 70 unauthorized drones detected, 33 drones seized, and six “drone incursions” mitigated
“The World Cup gave Massachusetts an incredible opportunity to welcome visitors from around the globe and show off everything our state has to offer,” Healey said in a statement Monday. “From public safety and transportation to public health and emergency management, thousands of people worked around the clock to make sure every match was safe, every visitor felt welcome and every community could share in this historic moment. Their teamwork and dedication made this tournament an extraordinary success.”
She added, “In particular, the MBTA had a historic performance – safely and efficiently transporting tens of thousands of fans each day to the brand-new Foxboro station, as well as to points all around the region.”
Colin Young is the deputy editor for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach him at colin.young@statehousenews.com. Ella Adams is a reporter for the State House News Service. Reach her at ella.adams@statehousenews.com.
