Ecuadorian football fans flooded the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Saturday night for a pre-match rally ahead of Sunday's World Cup clash against Ivory Coast.
The gathering, known as a "banderazo," featured loud chants and displays of national pride, marking the first tournament game in the city.
>>> George Russell Takes Pole for Barcelona Grand Prix
"Everybody just got together - everybody just sent like notifications, 6 p. m.
and everybody just gathered here," said Francisco Espinosa, an Ecuador supporter.
Some international visitors interacted with the famous Rocky statue during the festivities, with attendees emphasizing their affection for Philadelphia.
"I love Philly!
I have been here, well, years ago and it's a nice place," said Patricia Herrera, a fan from Ecuador.
Meanwhile, other soccer enthusiasts filled local establishments like the Black Taxi in Fairmount to watch a separate 9 p.
m. match.
"Oh it's great.
Because you don't get a lot of that over here, where back home that's what you're used to," said Rebecca Bengharbia, a visitor from Scotland.
>>> Fernando Alonso Scores First Championship Point at Monaco Grand Prix
Regular patrons noted the Fairmount venue has become a major tournament hub for football fans.
"It's my favorite bar to come to.
We have a good friendship with the people at the bar, and I can't think of a better place to watch the World Cup!"
said Rainey Backues, a South Philadelphia resident.
Staff reported a massive surge in soccer fans following prior tournament events. "Last night was pretty mad after the Fan Fest.
We had like thousands of people walking up the street. It was pretty chaotic," said Tiarnan Donnelly, a server at the Black Taxi.
Earlier on Saturday, a separate crowd gathered at the official FIFA Fan Fest to watch the match between Brazil and Morocco.
"It's really cool, it has like a lot of history.
A lot of people play like soccer in the streets," said Ryan Regag, a fan from Downingtown whose parents are from Morocco.
>>> This Subaru Kei Van Parks Like a Motorcycle But Swallows Half Your Garage
Philadelphia's first World Cup match between Ecuador and Ivory Coast is scheduled for Sunday at 7 p. m.
