The Netherlands fans cheer as the double-decker Dutch Oranjebus makes its way to AT&T Stadium during the Oranje Fanwalk on June 14 outside of Choctaw Stadium. The Oranjebus tradition began in 2004.
The Oranje Fanwalk, where a sea of Dutch fans draped in orange marched behind the Oranjebus on Sunday before kick off, represents many things: national pride, community and an unwavering support for Dutch soccer.
For North Carolina resident Dutch Jones, 53, who grew up in the Netherlands, and his daughter, Dawsonville, Georgia resident Sunset Grant, 31, it also represents family. What started as a shared passion between Jones and his late father turned into a three-generation journey that culminated on the streets of Arlington.
“Being here is really great because I know my dad always wanted to come here to a World Cup match to see the Netherlands with my opa,†Grant said. “Unfortunately, my opa is no longer with us, but I’m here making memories with him that he wished he would have made with his dad.â€
Dallas resident Katie Allen, 41, left, and Brooke Plumer, Des Moines, Iowa, resident, 42, right, wave orange flags during the Oranje Fanwalk on June 14 outside of Choctaw Stadium. The pair said this is their first time attending a World Cup match.
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Jones said he hasn’t been back to the Netherlands in 17 years and seeing so many Nederlanders made him feel at home.
When thinking about the emotions of being surrounded by his people, Jones had few words but said he wished the man who introduced the sport to him was there with them.
Their story is one of thousands woven into the Oranje walk that took place on the streets of Arlington ahead of the matchup between the Netherlands and Japan, the first of nine World Cup matches in the city.
While the walk brought a family together, it also brought the world together to experience the game.
Seattle resident Natalie Leidelmeijer, 24, wears the Netherlands flag face paint during the Oranje Fanwalk on June 14 outside of Choctaw Stadium. Leidelmeijer said her favorite team is the Netherlands.
Fans wearing the Netherlands, Japan, Mexico, USA and Argentina jerseys partied and marched to AT&T Stadium as one. Despite their cultural and language barriers, fans came together to experience a piece of Dutch culture.
Holland, Netherlands native Miek Van Rens-Verbers, 63, who goes by The Queen of Cheese 007, donned a modified Dutch traditional outfit with Netherlandish orange and the colors of the nation's flag. On her head, a block of cheese with the words “don’t take this queen home.â€
While proudly wearing her nation's colors, she stopped for fan after fan who asked to take a picture with her, sharing her culture with anyone interested.
“We celebrate all together, and sports connect people. If you’re green or blue, it doesn’t matter,†Van Rens-Verbers said.
For some people, the connection to the Netherlands lasted for an afternoon, ending when the final whistle blew. For others, it changed their entire life.
Dallas resident Gerardo Cuenca, 53, waves an orange the Netherlands flag during the Oranje Fanwalk on June 14 outside of Choctaw Stadium. Cuenca said he attended a World Cup match in 1994.
Euless, Texas, resident Christopher Diaz, 48, said he is rooting for a couple teams during this year's World Cup, but he was at the Oranje Fanwalk to support his wife's national team.
“I was in the military for 20-plus years. I was stationed in the Netherlands, where I met my wife,†Diaz said. “She’s a Dutch girl, and of course, she’s supported me through my World Cups in the past.â€
What started as a military assignment turned into Diaz and his family celebrating their culture in Arlington.
The Netherlands fans get low during the Oranje Fanwalk on June 14 outside of Choctaw Stadium. The Netherlands and Japan tied 2-2.
“It’s indescribable,†Diaz said about the environment. “You either go or see it through a book or a movie, but when you’re there in person, it’s the best experience.â€
For some, the Oranje Fanwalk honors family traditions passed down through generations. For others, it's a celebration of the friendships, community and families soccer helped create.
As thousands of fans made their way to AT&T Stadium, they didn't just carry their nation’s flag, they carried the stories and experiences that brought them there.
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