By Ian MacDonald

On Friday, Boston Glory played host to the New York Empire in a thrilling overtime matchup. The team took high-level play and mixed it with exceptional fan experience, creating the quintessential Boston sports experience. 

The crowd acted as an eighth player for Boston, chanting and cheering as is expected of any good Boston sports fan. The rivalry between these two teams and cities runs deep, but Boston has taken each of the last three matchups. Still, both sides are must-see frisbee. 

Walking into the stadium, groups of fans young and old took part in the pre-game activities. Disc toss games, corn hole, and some games of catch in the back are Glory game day staples for the kids. There was something for everyone at the game, with a DJ, food truck, beer garden, and shoutouts for group outings and birthdays. At the merch table, you could even find horns for fans to blare off after each and every Boston score (there were nineteen in this game!). 

Boston took an early lead but trailed entering the second quarter. That was until reigning MVP Jeff Babbitt tied it up for Glory just 30 seconds into the quarter. Babbitt has won the Ultimate Frisbee Association MVP award two years in a row, once for New York and more recently for Boston. Consider his transfer late retribution for Babe Ruth going to the Yankees. 

Boston took a 7-6 lead into the half. Fans took the chance to compete in the frisbee toss for a prize pack and a Jeff Babbitt hat. During halftime and breaks in play, the t-shirt cannon was fired into the crowd and raffles were handed out. Plenty of laughs came from the finish-the-lyric contest and dance contests, with songs people of all ages know. 

The third and fourth quarters were the most exciting of the game. During the third, a point was scored, on average, every minute! During the fourth, New York mounted a comeback, scoring four straight to send it to overtime. 

Overtime did not disappoint. It’s often an exaggeration, but in this case, everyone in the stadium was truly on their feet by the end. Hormel Stadium was transformed, as superfans and first-timers alike were cheering as hard as they could for the Glory. In a game filled with diving efforts, Boston Glory came out on top, with Jeff Babbitt hauling in the game-winner. 

This game had everything. From the outstanding competition and top-level play to fun fan interactions, it was no different than any other Boston sporting event. A regular season game felt like a playoff game. Energy and competitiveness radiated through the stadium. 

If you’re looking for one of the most exciting and affordable Boston sports experiences, you can catch the Boston Glory ultimate frisbee team at home on June 7, June 21, and July 6. Tickets (with discounts for kids and college students) can be purchased here. There’s nothing like it. Each and every Glory game can be caught online at WatchUFA.tv, where they also put together a very impressive show.