Hundreds of fans of the Dutch national soccer team gathered at Hat Creek Burger Company in Richardson on Monday to see the Dutch Orange Bus and have a good time singing and cheering for the Orange team. 

At an event that drew more than 1,500 people, the Dutch Orange Bus welcomed fans from North Texas who took photos with it, ate burgers courtesy of the restaurant, and danced and sang along to the music blaring from the four speakers installed at the back of the vehicle.  

“We noticed the iconic Dutch Bus was coming to America, and we wanted to be a part of history,” said Drew Gressett, CEO and founder of Hat Creek Burger Company. 

The restaurant gave around 2,500 burgers to attendees, who didn’t mind waiting in line under the intense 4 p.m. sun. Drinks were also given away, and samples were offered of the Oranje Dutchman “dirty” soda — made with orange soda, a splash of vanilla syrup, and something creamy, such as half-and-half, oat milk, or coffee creamer — which will soon be available at the restaurants.  

Willem van der Ven, who is Dutch, and Michelle Montague, who is American, are a couple who have been married for 20 years. They made their way to Hat Creek Richardson, where they enthusiastically welcomed the Dutch national team.  

“We went to the stadium and it was awesome — a great atmosphere just like here, with lots of people dancing and singing,” said van der Ven. “And I love that we are a mix of nationalities and cultures.”  

“I love that the Dutch have brought not only their team but also their culture and lifestyle here to America,” said Montague. “It’s been a lot of fun.”  

For the Dutch visitors, being in Dallas was quite an adventure, from the weather and the food to the welcome they received from the people.  

“What made the event special was seeing the Dallas community embrace the Dutch Orange Bus,” said Esther Huijsmans, a bus member. “There were families everywhere, children climbing aboard with huge smiles on their faces, and soccer fans sharing stories and taking photos.”  

The Dutch Orange Bus has become a tradition for the Dutch at soccer tournaments. Since 2004, it has accompanied Netherlands fans to several World Cups and other international tournaments.  

The bus will now travel to Houston, where the Netherlands will face Sweden on Saturday, June 20. Fans of the team will gather at Rice Stadium on the Rice University campus at 8:45 a.m. and march to NRG Stadium.