The Netherlands national soccer team brought a splash of color and excitement to Fulshear, Texas, on Thursday, as fans gathered to welcome the team’s iconic Dutch Orange Bus ahead of their World Cup match against Sweden. Despite a heat advisory in Southeast Texas, the enthusiasm of the fans was undiminished, turning a local parking lot into a vibrant spectacle of orange.
The Netherlands is set to face Sweden in their second World Cup match at NRG Stadium in Houston at noon on Saturday. The Dutch Orange Bus will lead a pregame march to the stadium, starting at 8:45 a.m., adding to the festive atmosphere.
The Dutch Orange Bus: A Symbol of National Pride
The Dutch Orange Bus is more than just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of national pride and a centerpiece of the Netherlands soccer fan experience. The double-decker bus, adorned with the colors of the Netherlands flag and stickers from past World Cup appearances, arrived in the Port of Galveston on May 13 via cargo ship. After maintenance in Galveston, it made its way to Arlington for the team’s opening match against Japan before heading to Fulshear.
The bus will continue its journey to Houston for the Saturday match against Sweden. Fans are invited to gather near Rice University’s football stadium at 8 a.m. for live entertainment featuring international performers YukiFeestDJRuudYves Berendseand DJ NOA.
Fans Brave the Heat for a Glimpse of the Orange Bus
Local resident Sue Elybilla shared her excitement about the World Cup events happening in her neighborhood. Despite the sweltering heat, she waited in her car with her two small children to catch a glimpse of the Dutch Orange Bus. “It’s just so hot out here, but my son loves soccer and because the Houston activities are so packed and far, we figured this is a little closer for us,” Elybilla said.
Elybilla mentioned that she and her family will be watching all World Cup matches on their TV at home, citing the heat and the needs of her small children as reasons for staying indoors. The event at Hat Creek Burger Company featured music blasting through the bus’s speakers, with fans dancing, singing, and holding signs throughout the afternoon.
The Orange Fanwalk: A Tradition of Unity and Celebration
The Dutch Orange Bus is part of a longstanding tradition where fans march behind the bus before and after soccer matches. This tradition will continue on Saturday with the Orange Fanwalkwhere Dutch supporters will parade together to the game. The march will start at Rice University and take Main Street roughly all the way to NRG Stadium, covering about 2.5 miles.
Sweden is also expected to have more than 2,000 supporters march from TMC Helix Park at 8 a.m. The Swedish march will cover roughly a mile-and-a-half from the Texas Medical Center to the stadium. Though the exact route has not been shared, it is expected to not interfere with the Dutch march.
Daniel Tabora Netherlands fan, expressed his excitement for the upcoming match. “I’m excited for Saturday,” Tabor said. “This was just a preview for Saturday, the march. We’re going to march to the stadium, so it’ll be fun.”
The Netherlands opened the World Cup on June 14 with a 2-2 draw against Japan, setting the stage for an exciting match against Sweden. The energy and enthusiasm of the Dutch fans in Fulshear are a testament to the global appeal of the World Cup and the unifying power of soccer.
Frans Peetersone of the Dutch bus drivers, shared his positive experiences traveling through Texas. “Very good,” he said when asked about Houston drivers. Peeters expressed his pride in visiting America and supporting his national soccer team. “It’s amazing,” he added, describing the supportive and festive atmosphere.
