Springboks Fans Make History as Record 69,000 Crowd Packs Baltimore Stadium
- The Springboks vs All Blacks Greatest Rivalry finale in Baltimore drew nearly 69,000 fans, setting a US record for rugby
- South African expats turned the Maryland stadium green and gold, with locals dubbing the event 'Baltfontein'
- The Boks clinched the inaugural Greatest Rivalry title with a convincing win over the All Blacks
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South Africa's rugby fans have done it again, this time on American soil. The Springboks vs All Blacks Greatest Rivalry finale, held at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, drew approximately 68,173 spectators, the largest crowd ever recorded for a rugby match in the United States.
Source: Getty Images
It was also the first time the two nations had faced each other on American soil, making the occasion a historic one from the moment the whistle blew.
'Baltfontein': SA fans take over Baltimore
Thousands of South Africans made their way to the venue for the Springboks vs All Blacks Greatest Rivalry match, painting the stadium in green and gold and making their presence impossible to ignore.
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The atmosphere inside the stadium told its own story. Green and gold filled the stands as South African and New Zealand expats packed the venue, turning Baltimore into something that felt far more familiar. Social media users quickly christened the event "Baltfontein" and the "United States of South Africa," a nod to just how many South Africans had made the trip.
The energy extended well beyond the stadium. Crowds of expats gathered at a concert headlined by South African artist Jesse Clegg and made their way to the nearest Nando's in the city.
The Springboks performed to match the occasion, securing a 43-24 victory and claiming the inaugural Greatest Rivalry title, their third consecutive win in the series. Springboks captain Siya Kolisi reflected on the night in a post-match interview
FNB Stadium still leads the way
As remarkable as the Baltimore turnout was, it did not surpass the numbers seen at home the previous weekend. Nearly 86,000 supporters watched the sides meet at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, Africa's largest stadium with a 95,000-seat capacity, underlining just how deeply rugby runs in South Africa.
The Boks had played in the United States only twice before this century prior to the Greatest Rivalry fixture. Baltimore, buoyed by the event's success, is now reportedly hoping to secure a place as a host city for the 2031 Rugby World Cup, which is set to be held in the United States.
Springboks honour 9/11 victims
Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks paused ahead of their All Blacks clash in Baltimore to observe a moment of silence for 9/11 victims on the 25th anniversary of the attacks
SABC US correspondent Sherwin Bryce-Pease shared the video of the team huddle, which quickly went viral on social media
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Source: Briefly News
