As any Rangers-obsessed fan will tell you, planning a family holiday while Rangers are playing is a logistical nightmare! So when my wife and I set off for a trip to New York with Rangers scheduled to play two massive home games, I knew I was in for a challenge. But, thanks to my incredibly understanding better half, we managed to combine sightseeing in the Big Apple with watching our beloved team from across the pond!
The Challenges of Being a Rangers Fan Abroad
While our trip was fantastic—New York truly is a city like no other—I couldn’t shake the need to catch the action from back home. Rangers had two key fixtures lined up: a Europa League clash with Lyon and a Scottish Premiership tie against St Johnstone. Now, as much as I enjoyed wandering around Manhattan’s landmarks, my mind was firmly on Ibrox. Luckily for me, the 8pm kickoffs back in the UK turned into much more manageable 3pm starts in New York, making it easier to balance both tourist life and football fanaticism.
I had done my homework before flying out and discovered the perfect venue to catch the games: the Spotted Dog in Manhattan, where the Rangers Supporters Club of New York, the Big Apple Bears, gather for matches. Little did I know that this would become the highlight of my trip!
Meeting the Big Apple Bears: Rangers Fans, New York Style
The first match was the Lyon game, and after a walk from the famous 5th Avenue Apple Store near Central Park (with a pit stop for lunch), we made our way to the Spotted Dog in Lenox Hill. The atmosphere in the bar was buzzing with excitement. The Big Apple Bears are a fantastic group—a mix of local Rangers supporters and tourists like myself, all eager to see the team in action. I even met a couple on their honeymoon who were spending part of their trip watching Rangers—now that’s dedication!
Despite the result not going our way (Lyon’s dominance on their left side against our weakened right was the talk of the game), the conversation, atmosphere, and camaraderie were top-notch. One particular highlight was chatting with the barmaid, who had been to Scotland to witness a thrilling Rangers vs Celtic match, the famous 3-3 draw where Rabbi Matondo scored that unforgettable equaliser. It’s always amazing to see how Rangers make an impression across the globe, even attracting fans from over 3,000 miles away!
Match Report: Rangers v Lyon in the Europa League
A Better Result Against St Johnstone
After the disappointment against Lyon, we returned to the Spotted Dog for the St Johnstone game. This time, we took the Subway, fully embracing the New York experience. The same familiar faces were there to greet us, along with a few new ones. The mood was notably lighter, especially as the match played out in Rangers’ favour.
Cerny’s remarkable turnaround between the two games was a big talking point at the bar, along with the return of Ianis Hagi to the squad, which lifted everyone’s spirits. Tavernier’s role continues to generate discussions about past performances and what we are seeing now, especially when he moved further up the pitch following Nana’s introduction. These tactical nuances gave us plenty to discuss as we enjoyed another match surrounded by fellow Rangers fans.
Match Report: Rangers v St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership
Rangers in New York: A Unique Experience
The Spotted Dog, thanks to its connection with the Big Apple Bears, felt like a home away from home. The drinks were reasonably priced (a rare find in Manhattan!), and I couldn’t resist picking up a Rangers-themed t-shirt and some coasters for the man cave back in Scotland. There’s something special about finding a piece of Ibrox spirit thousands of miles away, and the Big Apple Bears certainly provided that.
If you ever find yourself in New York during a Rangers game, I can’t recommend the Spotted Dog and the Big Apple Bears enough. The welcome is warm, the atmosphere electric, and it’s a perfect spot to connect with fellow fans and keep the Rangers flag flying high, no matter where you are in the world.
Contact the Big Apple Bears on Facebook for more information if you plan to join them during your travels.
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