World Cup

“Adding this to the list of things I’ve never seen before and probably never will again.”

By Abby Patkin

June 17, 2026 | 1:20 PM

1 minute to read

Not to be outdone by Scotland’s Tartan Army, Norway fans in town for the World Cup have charmed Bostonians with their synchronized “rowing” on escalators around the city. 

“Norway fans are doing a ‘Viking Row’ up the escalator at Boston’s South Station before heading to the World Cup,” GBH News reporter Jeremy Siegel wrote on X Tuesday, sharing a clip that showed a spirited group of fans festooned in Viking helmets and Norwegian flags. 

“Adding this to the list of things I’ve never seen before and probably never will again,” Siegel said. 

Commenters who replied to the post were split between cheering on the “rowers” and voicing their concerns about flags or loose clothing getting stuck in the escalator — particularly in light of a fatal incident at Davis Station earlier this year.

The MBTA has advocated public awareness around escalator safety following the death of Steven McCluskey, 40, who became trapped at the bottom of an escalator at Davis after his clothing was sucked into the machinery. 

“The MBTA is thrilled to welcome fans from Norway and around the globe for the World Cup, and we are glad to see them showing their team spirit in our stations,” a T spokesperson said via email. “We remind all riders that sitting on escalators poses a significant safety risk and encourage everyone to be aware of your surroundings.”

The T recommends using handrails, exercising caution with small children or luggage, and staying vigilant about loose clothing while riding on escalators, among other safety tips. But Norway fans, take note: The agency offers no official ruling on flags or Viking helmets.