Hundreds of BOS Nation supporters gathered for a fan celebration at Dick’s House of Sport on Tuesday night. The event took place hours after the team’s name and campaign were officially announced.
Fans were given free scarves that donned the green and pink team colors and a “Be The Many” slogan as they entered. Additional merchandise was on display around the store and available for purchase.
Activities included a letter station, where people were encouraged to write notes to future BOS Nation players, and signing a canvas that will be placed at White Stadium when the season begins.
Several local food businesses, such as Gourmet Kreyol, Comfort Kitchen, and Fresh Food Generation, had stands throughout the store and provided food for the attendees.
Notable Boston soccer figures were present including former Boston Breakers players Lauren Holiday and Kristine Lilly, and former Revolution player Charlie Davies.
Davies and Mayor Michelle Wu gave speeches highlighting the opportunities the team would create for Boston’s youth.
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In her speech to the crowd of fans, controlling owner Jennifer Epstein said building a legacy “requires passion, participation and sometimes holding each other accountable to our shared values.”
The team’s campaign produced backlash from residents and NWSL fans on social media, many critiquing the new name and others calling the “Too Many Balls” video out of touch. Quinn, an openly trans and nonbinary Seattle Reign FC player, commented on BOS Nation’s since-removed Instagram post, saying the video “feels transphobic.”
“The whole intent behind the brand was to be inclusionary,“ said Epstein when asked about the comment. “I would look forward to talking to that player and thinking through [why] this made them feel that way.”
Epstein emphasized creating inclusive environments as a priority and that the team will “work really hard over the next 17 months… to learn how to do that best.”
The naming process started last fall, according to cofounder Stephanie Connaughton, and involved market research and testing. The team brainstormed with external partners and feedback from previous fan events was taken into consideration.
The chosen name “achieved a perfect balance” of strength, mission, and ambition according to Connaughton.
