Throngs of party people crammed inside the Fan Zone at the Clyde Best Centre of Excellence before the big kick-off at Flora Duffy Stadium last night.

In advance of the big clash between Bermuda and Jamaica, more than 100 spectators danced and sang to the pulsating music, waved their national flags and either honked or blew their horns loudly in anticipation of the action to come on the pitch.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, was among the revellers and delighted to see such a large gathering of people rallying behind the Gombey Warriors.

“This is what it should be all about; the final round of World Cup qualifying for Bermuda,” he told The Royal Gazette. “It’s good to see the people here early and good to see the vibes pumping.

“People have on their colours and jerseys and I am happy that the Government was able to support this because this is what it is all about, people coming out and getting behind these guys that are going to make us proud.

“I’ve had the pleasure of watching them train the last couple of days and I have been very impressed with the organisation and the focus. Hopefully they can put that to work tonight; a Bermuda victory would be nice.”

Naquita Robinson, the national women’s team coach, was blown away by the electrifying atmosphere.

“This is great and I have never seen anything like it,” she said.

“This has given me a lot of hope. I had hope anyway but I don’t think Jamaica is going to outdo us in vibes.

‘“I know that they are also pretty rowdy and have their own celebrations. But it’s nothing like Bermuda love, and Bermy love right now is being shown. It sounds like it’s more people than it is, and that bodes well with what’s going to happen tonight.”

Golfer Jevon Roberts was also moved by the overwhelming support shown to the national team.

“Vibes are high and it’s good to see a lot of Bermudians here to support the country,” he said. “It’s really exciting to see everybody out and having a really good time tonight.”

The occasion was extra special for Karina Furbert as she also celebrated her birthday.

“It’s my birthday so Bermuda are going to win,” she smiled. “It’s good karma. I am very excited and looking forward to the game.”

Furbert’s husband and former Dandy Town footballer Lionel was also on hand to lend his support to team Bermuda but took issue with their pink jerseys.

“I am up here in the Fan Zone because I’m always going to support Bermuda and I am behind them 100 per cent,” he said.

“People might not like hearing this, but I wish Bermuda wore blue jerseys instead of pink tonight because if I’m going up against somebody who’s got on a pink jersey I am going to say ‘they are not going to beat me’ — especially Jamaica.”

Devonna Samuels was also blown away by the experience.

“This is absolutely amazing. This is beautiful seeing everyone out in their jerseys ready to represent, scream and cheer on team Bermuda,” she said.

“I am looking forward to the game and looking forward to Bermuda winning.”

Samuels’s husband, former Boulevard footballer Jahmah, echoed his wife’s sentiments.

“I am loving it and it’s good to see the support and the country getting together for something positive,” he said.

Alshia Lugo thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere in the Fan Zone and was also happy to lend her support to the Gombey Warriors.

“The Fan Zone is fun and its’s fantastic getting some energy flowing so we can share that same energy supporting our boys,” she said.

Lugo’s son Christen added: “The party vibe is fun and you get to meet new people immersing in the Bermudian culture and I like it.”

Daniele Bezant was also on hand to enjoy the wonderful experience.

“This is awesome getting everybody pumped up,” she said.

“I think it’s going to be a tough game. But Bermudians have to come out and support because we can’t let the Jamaicans come and overrule. We have to show our pride.”

Former PHC Zebras footballer Casey Castle hopes to see similar functions take place at various other sporting events in the future.

“The Fan Zone is wild and hopefully this is something we continue to do no matter what the occasion is; football, cricket, volleyball, tennis,” he said. “We should definitely get behind the country.”

“I just hope the guys come out to play tonight, put on a show and the most important thing give it their all. Leave everything on the pitch.”