Bay State Braces For 7 World Cup Matches: What You Need To Know On Game Days

BOSTON, MA — Massachusetts residents should be prepared for some travel frustrations — as well as plentiful opportunities to enjoy soccer on the world stage, whether or not they are headed to Boston Stadium to see a match in person — as more than 90 communities across the state have been approved for public viewing parties ahead of the World Cup.

Declaring that Massachusetts is "Match-Ready" on Monday, Gov. Maura Healey and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng shared some tips at a news conference for those who need to get around the state during the seven World Cup dates in Foxboro.

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"These are major international events," Healey said. "We're having them here to benefit our state. And our teams have been working very hard to make this a successful operation.

"The bottom line today is that Massachusetts is Match-ready. Match-ready for these games, and we are really excited that they are happening."

Game dates are June 13, June 16, June 19, June 23, June 26, June 29 and July 9.

In order to ensure that those attending games are aware of the dos and don'ts, and not sidetracked by any unknown restrictions, the state has put together a website here with all the guidelines that those traveling to the games will need to know.

Healey said signage will also be placed at MBTA and Commuter Rail stops, along with highways, providing travel information.

Eng said that those planning to buy one of the $80 tickets for a World Cup train ride should do so soon, with 80 percent of the tickets for the opening game on June 13 now sold, and about 60 percent of tickets for other games sold.

The MBTA will also offer previously announced discounts — including free Fridays and $10 unlimited weekend tickets on the Commuter Rail — on lines that do not travel to Foxborough on game days.

The MBTA will run late-night service on each of the game days for those returning to the city from the stadium. The subway, which typically stops running shortly after 1 a.m. at most stops, will run until 4 a.m. for the June 13 game and 2 a.m. for the remainder of the games.

The MBTA will operate 14 express trains between South Station and Boston Stadium.

Most peak-period Commuter Rail service will remain in place, although temporary schedule adjustments will be implemented across portions of the network between June 8 and July 12 to support match-day operations.

Healey did not address legislation — which she previously said she supports — to extend "last call" alcohol sales in cities and towns that wish to do so to 3 a.m. during the World Cup.

She said the state is looking to expand the enjoyment of the matches beyond Boston and Foxborough through the permitted community watch parties.

Healey also said that 1,104 free tickets to World Cup matches hosted in Massachusetts will be made available to young people through Boys & Girls Clubs, the Department of Children and Families, and community organizations across the state. The tickets are being donated by Airbnb.

"The World Cup is coming to Massachusetts, and we want young people from every corner of our state to have the chance to be part of it," Healey said. "These tickets will help make sure that kids who otherwise may never have the opportunity to attend a match can experience the excitement of the world's biggest sporting event.

"We want to spread that opportunity as widely as possible, create memories that will last a lifetime and inspire children across the state to dream big and chase their goals."