Springboks Fans Make History as Record 69,000 Crowd Packs Baltimore Stadium
- South Africans living in the US descended on M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore to watch the Springboks take on the All Blacks
- The venue drew a record-breaking attendance of 69,000, the highest ever for a rugby match played in the United States
- Videos of South Africans braaiing, singing and dancing in the streets went viral on social media after the match
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The South African diaspora in the United States showed up spectacularly over the weekend, turning Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium into something that felt a lot more like home.
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.
Record Crowd Packs Baltimore Stadium
The attendance figure of 69,000 set a new record for a rugby match held on American soil. Fans draped in Bok gear and South African flags packed the stands, creating an atmosphere that surprised even those who had made the trip.
After the Springboks claimed a 43-24 victory and lifted the inaugural Greatest Rivalry title, the celebrations spilt out well beyond the stadium gates. South Africans were spotted braaiing in the streets, singing and dancing together, and taking over restaurants and nightclubs across the city. Videos of the scenes spread quickly on social media, with many comparing Baltimore to a South African city for the evening.
How Many South Africans Are in the US?
The turnout was a reminder of just how large the South African community in America has grown. A 2023 US census estimated roughly 85,000 South Africans currently live in the country. The state of Maryland alone is home to an expat community of around 2,000 people. However, that number is expected to grow following the recent US refugee resettlement programme that has seen a wave of South Africans relocate to the country.
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For one night in Baltimore, they found each other again, united by rugby, pride, and the smell of meat on the fire.
Source: Briefly News
