Boston is ramping up a large-scale security operation as it prepares to welcome thousands of supporters for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, including significant numbers of fans from England and Scotland.
Local SWAT teams have intensified preparations ahead of the tournament, which will see matches played in nearby Foxborough.
ITV News US observed how police and SWAT units are preparing for every possible scenario.
The city, which will stage matches at nearby Foxborough, is now in the final countdown to this summer’s tournament, with officials expecting a major surge in international visitors.
Security remains a top priority in Boston, a city still marked by memories of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.
Match operations at the stadium in Foxborough will be led by local law enforcement under Chief of Police Michael Grace of the Foxborough Police Department.
Responding to questions about perceptions of policing in the United States, especially in light of recent controversial incidents involving fatal shootings during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdown in Minneapolis, he strongly defended the professionalism of Boston law enforcement.
He insisted its reputation was undiminished, telling me, “I would disagree 100 % that what you see in these protests is policing is in America, and that is not what they will expect when they arrive in fan-fest or even when they land at Logan airport.
“They’ll see police there being professional very approachable at all times.”
ITV News was also given rare access to SWAT training sessions held inside the stadium, where officers rehearsed a range of scenarios.
From hostage rescues to responses involving hostile vehicles, teams are being drilled to handle any emergency. Some of the exercises included hostage simulations and medical response drills in darkened areas within the stadium.
Many of the officers taking part were also involved in responding to the 2013 terror attacks, adding an emotional weight to the preparations as the memory of that day continues to shape their training.
They are expected to be among the first responders in any major incident, and this phase marks one of their final preparation stages.
All officers are armed with assault rifles and pistols, and also have access to an armoured Bearcat vehicle, similar to a military-style MRAP personnel carrier, for high-risk operations such as storming buildings or vehicles.
Authorities say every possible scenario is being accounted for ahead of the tournament.
During the drills, teams practised clearing executive suites inside the stadium, focusing heavily on communication and coordinated tactics.
Officials are aware that global attention will be fixed on Boston once the competition begins, which will include five group-stage matches, a round-of-32 fixture, and a quarter-final.
Preparations are already visible across the city, with an outdoor fan zone being set up in the centre to welcome visiting supporters.
However, organisers acknowledge that travel logistics could present challenges for fans heading to matches.
The stadium, known in normal circumstances as Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots American Football team, is located about an hour south of Boston by car.
Even on regular days, traffic congestion is common, and there are concerns that major tournament fixtures could overwhelm the highways as tens of thousands of fans travel to and from games.
A train service is available, but unlike some previous World Cup tournaments, it will not be free. Instead, a return journey will cost $95 (around £70).
Mike Loynd, a FIFA local organising committee official in Boston, defended the pricing.
“It’s well below the cost price, and so we’re comfortable with those prices, and the experience we are going to provide the fans,” he said.
The cost has sparked debate, especially given that match tickets are expected to run into hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Meanwhile, local businesses are already preparing for the surge of visitors.
One bar owner has positioned his venue as a convenient alternative closer to the city. His Haven Bar, a Scottish-themed pub in Boston, is preparing for an influx of fans.
Jason Waddleton says 400 kegs of Scottish lager have been ordered for the city, with 150 allocated to his pub.
The menu will also feature Scottish-inspired dishes, including deep-fried Mars bars, as he gets ready to welcome members of the Tartan Army.
Excitement is gradually building across Boston, even though many residents remain only loosely aware of the upcoming “soccer” spectacle unfolding in their city.
A place historically associated with the Boston Tea Party and its rebellion against British taxation in the name of King George III is now preparing to host English and Scottish supporters once again.
This time, however, it is likely that beer, not tea, will dominate the celebrations as fans descend on the city for what is expected to be a high-energy tournament.
