Gillette Stadium
Stadium Large US stadium hosting NFL and soccer events
In Foxborough, Massachusetts, Gillette Stadium hosts New England Patriots games, major concerts and sporting events, drawing fans and event visitors from the region.
Gillette Stadium is a large sports and entertainment stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, opened in 2002. It is the home stadium of the NFL’s New England Patriots and MLS’s New England Revolution and has a seating capacity of about 65,000 for football.
The venue includes a single-tiered bowl with corporate suites, club seats, and a range of concessions; it hosts NFL and MLS matches, concerts, and other large events. Adjacent retail and dining at Patriot Place provide year-round attractions including restaurants, shops, and a team store.
Built to replace an earlier regional stadium, the facility opened in August 2002 and was developed with corporate naming rights from a consumer products company. Since opening it has served as the Patriots’ permanent home and a regional venue for major sporting and entertainment events.
Located in Foxborough about 35 km southwest of downtown Boston and 25 km northeast of Providence, Rhode Island, the stadium sits beside major highways with large surface parking and is set within a suburban-commercial complex.
- Game-day access: Open from early morning on game days; heavy road traffic and limited local parking make public transit and early arrival advisable.
- Public transit option: MBTA service to Mansfield with a stadium shuttle operates on many Patriots game days, offering an alternative to driving from Boston, roughly 35 km away.
What to See #
- Stadium Bowl: The main bowl with a seating capacity of approximately 65,000 for American football, configured for NFL games and large concerts.
- Patriot Place: A mixed-use retail and dining complex adjacent to the stadium that opened with the venue and provides dining, shops, and entertainment year-round.
How to Get to Gillette Stadium #
Gillette Stadium is in Foxborough, Massachusetts, about 28 miles (≈45 km) southwest of downtown Boston. By car take I‑95/I‑93 or I‑95/I‑495 and follow signs for Route 1/Patriot Place; travel time from Boston is typically 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
On event days the MBTA and private shuttle operators run special commuter-rail and bus shuttles from Boston (South Station/Back Bay) to the stadium area or nearby Foxboro station; otherwise nearby commuter-rail stations (Walpole, Sharon) are a short taxi/ride away.
Tips for Visiting Gillette Stadium #
- Allow plenty of extra time for parking and traffic - arrive well before scheduled kickoff or event start (90+ minutes is typical) and follow official stadium travel advisories to avoid bottlenecks on nearby highways.
- Use the Patriot Place complex before or after events to eat or shop and stagger your exit; lingering there can help you avoid the immediate post-game surge at exits and parking lots.
- Check the stadium's official website ahead of your visit for current bag and security rules and for recommended drop-off and rideshare zones to speed your entry and exit.
- If you're attending a major event, use official parking and shuttle lots rather than roadside parking - the stadium's event-day traffic management is designed around those lots and will get you out faster.
Best Time to Visit Gillette Stadium #
Plan visits to coincide with event schedules; early fall (September-October) is often the most comfortable time for outdoor events.
Weather & Climate near Gillette Stadium #
Gillette Stadium's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1208 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (116 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
