Galveston turned orange as fans gathered at Saengerfest Park to send off the Oranjebus, an iconic bright orange double-decker that travels with the Netherlands national soccer team. The city’s mayor presented a proclamation and highlighted Galveston’s status as a welcoming international gateway, setting the stage for a festive send-off before the bus continued its nationwide tour.
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FIFA World Cup
Galveston leaders tout city’s welcoming history as Dutch Orange Bus heads to Dallas for World Cup
Photo by The Daily News
Key Takeaways:
- Galveston Mayor John Paul Listowski issued a proclamation during the send-off.
- The Oranjebus is a bright orange double-decker bus following the Netherlands national team.
- Dutch expatriates and local fans filled Saengerfest Park in anticipation of the team’s World Cup match.
- Visit Galveston spotlighted the city’s history as an international gateway.
- The bus departed for Arlington and is set to return to Houston later on its tour.
Galveston’s Festive Send-Off
Dutch soccer supporters packed Galveston’s Saengerfest Park on Thursday to celebrate the departure of the iconic Oranjebus. The bright orange double-decker bus, which follows the Netherlands national team around the world, revved its engines in the midst of cheering fans dressed in captivating shades of orange.
Mayoral Proclamation and Welcoming Legacy
Standing before a crowd of orange-clad revelers, Galveston Mayor John Paul Listowski issued a proclamation to mark the occasion. The mayor’s message underscored Galveston’s rich history as an international gateway, highlighting the city’s tradition of meeting visitors from around the globe with open arms. Officials from Visit Galveston shared how the island’s unique past continues to shape its future, especially as more tourists arrive for high-profile events like the World Cup.
Fans in Orange Cheer Their Team
Sports enthusiasts, many of them Dutch expatriates and local fans, rallied to show support for the Netherlands national squad. Lively conversation, snapshots with the bus, and heartfelt wishes all contributed to the vibrant environment. Attendees expressed both excitement and nerves for the team’s upcoming World Cup match against Japan, set to take place on Sunday in Arlington.
Onward to the World Cup
After the fanfare, the Oranjebus made its way out of Galveston, beginning the next leg of its nationwide tour. The plan is for the bus to arrive in Arlington in time for the Netherlands’ match, then eventually return to Houston. Many supporters see this celebration as a testament to Galveston’s evolving appeal as a sporting destination—a place where international fans, local residents, and city leaders alike rally behind a common cause.
