England fans at World Cup fan parks have embraced a messy new tradition: tossing their pints in the air when the Three Lions score. Videos on social media show euphoric supporters chucking beer as Harry Kane and teammates find the net, leaving many drenched.
Fan parks change the viewing experience
Outdoor fan parks have transformed how supporters watch matches, replacing the pub as the default venue. Large crowds gather under giant screens to sing and shout through England's tournament progress. The Garden Vauxhall in London broadcasts games for up to 1,500 people. Chief executive Phillipe Chiarella says, "It's a beast but we're ready for it."
Beer tossing becomes ubiquitous
Spontaneous pint tossing is now a hallmark of fan park celebrations. Chiarella notes, "I've been drenched by beer. It's a bit of a nightmare because everything gets sticky and horrible." He adds that the trend is particularly English: "We haven't really had it during our France or Spain matches. England fans love to waste their money and throw their beer in the air." The clean-up is manageable "because most of it lands on people not on the floor."
Mixed reactions from fans
Comedian Jacob Hawley, at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town for England's game against Croatia, recalls dodging pints after a missed penalty. "I'm dodging pints and it's not even gone in," he says. By game's end, he was "drenched," and his friend in denim had to leave early. Hawley admits, "I don't want to be soaked in beer all night. I don't want to smell of beer when I drop my kids off at school the next day."
Logistical challenges for venues
Supplying beer and ice during a heatwave has been tricky. Chiarella says, "Believe it or not, it's very difficult to get beer in London right now." During a recent heatwave, "ice supplies in London were running out," but everything came together in the end.
Marcus Alexander, an assistant director supporting Spain, experienced the trend in Budapest during the Champions League final. "When we scored in the first five minutes, my bag was drenched. The person sitting next to me was drenched too and she wasn't happy," he says. He believes the tradition is reserved for England games: "Most European fans like to keep their drinks."
Venues embrace the chaos
Despite the mess, venues accept the beer tossing as part of the fun. Deepak Agarwal, The Garden's junior manager, says, "We don't mind cleaning the garden, it's part of our job and we want people to have a good time." For fans, flying pints mean England are scoring, and that's enough.
