Oct 18, 2025
·Mary Callahan
When you think of football greatness, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, immediately comes to mind. Home to the New England Patriots, one of the NFL’s most successful franchises, and the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer, Gillette Stadium has become one of the most recognizable venues in American sports.
Opened in 2002, this modern facility has hosted countless memorable moments, including Patriots Super Bowl runs, MLS Cup matches and some of the world’s biggest concerts. With its mix of New England charm, state-of-the-art design and electric atmosphere, Gillette Stadium is a must-visit for sports fans and music lovers alike.
About Gillette Stadium
Address: 1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA 02035
Gillette Stadium has a capacity of 65,878 for football games, making it one of the larger NFL venues. For soccer matches, the stadium seats around 20,000–25,000 fans, providing an intimate experience for Revolution supporters. For concerts, the venue can expand to host more than 70,000 fans, depending on stage setup.
The stadium is the centerpiece of Patriot Place, a 1.3 million-square-foot lifestyle and entertainment complex featuring shopping, dining, hotels, and attractions like the Patriots Hall of Fame presented by RTX. A visit to Gillette Stadium offers far more than just the event—it’s a full-day experience.
A Look Back at Gillette Stadium’s History
Before Gillette, the Patriots played at Foxboro Stadium, a no-frills venue that lacked the modern amenities fans craved. After years of planning, Gillette Stadium was privately financed by team owner Robert Kraft and opened in 2002.
Since then, it has been the stage for countless historic events:
The Patriots dynasty, led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, unfolded at Gillette, with six Super Bowl titles cementing Foxborough as the epicenter of NFL excellence.
The stadium has hosted AFC Championship Games, MLS matches, NCAA lacrosse tournaments and international soccer friendlies.
Some of the world’s biggest stars—Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, U2, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen—have performed on its stage.
Over the years, the venue has undergone several upgrades, including new video boards, expanded amenities and improved hospitality spaces, ensuring it remains one of the premier stadiums in the country.
How to Get to Gillette Stadium
Driving: Gillette Stadium is located about 30 miles southwest of Boston and 25 miles north of Providence, Rhode Island. Driving is the most common way to get there, with parking lots surrounding the venue. Prepaid parking passes are recommended to save time.
Public Transit: On event days, the MBTA provides special train service from Boston’s South Station and Providence to the stadium, known as the Gillette Stadium Train. This is a convenient option for avoiding traffic.
Rideshare/Taxi: Uber and Lyft have designated pickup and drop-off zones, though wait times can be long after major events.
Walking/Biking: Given its suburban location, walking and biking to the stadium is less common, but guests staying at nearby hotels within Patriot Place can easily stroll to the gates.
Plan Your Visit to Gillette Stadium
Opening Times: Gates typically open two hours before kickoff for Patriots and Revolution games. For concerts, gate times vary depending on the event.
Event Duration: NFL games run around 3 hours, while Revolution matches last about 2 hours. Concerts vary but often run 2–3 hours, plus time for openers.
Dining Options: Gillette Stadium offers a wide array of food and drink choices, ranging from New England classics to fan favorites:
Lobster rolls and clam chowder for a true local flavor.
Kayem hot dogs and stadium nachos for classic gameday eats.
Local craft beer selections from breweries like Harpoon and Samuel Adams.
Upscale dining and specialty cocktails in club seating areas.
Patriot Place also features popular spots like CBS Sporting Club, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Bar Louie and Five Guys, ensuring fans can fuel up before or after the event.
Fan Experience: Few stadiums capture the energy of their fan base quite like Gillette. Patriots games are known for their intensity and tradition, from the pregame flyover to the postgame celebrations. Revolution matches bring an energetic soccer culture with supporter groups, chants and vibrant displays.
Gillette Stadium Policies
Bag Policy: Only clear plastic bags (12” x 6” x 12” or smaller) and small clutches are permitted. Backpacks are not allowed.
Security: All guests pass through walk-through metal detectors.
Prohibited Items: Large umbrellas, outside alcohol, drones, fireworks and professional cameras with detachable lenses are prohibited.
Alcohol: Alcohol is available for purchase throughout the stadium for guests 21+ with valid ID. Sales typically end after the third quarter (football) or 75th minute (soccer).
Re-Entry: Re-entry is not permitted.
Inside Gillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium offers a variety of seating options tailored to every type of fan:
Putnam Club Seats: Premium seating with upscale dining, indoor lounge access and great views.
Luxury Suites: Private experiences with personalized service and amenities.
Lower Level & End Zones: Close-to-the-action seats where the energy is strongest.
Upper Deck: More affordable tickets with panoramic views of the field.
With massive high-definition video boards and excellent acoustics for concerts, there’s no bad seat in the house.
Make the Most of Your Visit to Gillette Stadium
Arrive early and explore Patriot Place, where you can enjoy shopping, restaurants and attractions before heading into the game. Highlights include:
The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by RTX – a must-visit for fans, featuring interactive exhibits and memorabilia.
Cinema de Lux – for pre- or post-game entertainment.
Bass Pro Shops – a fan favorite for outdoor gear.
During football season, the tailgating culture at Gillette is legendary, with fans gathering hours before kickoff to fire up grills and celebrate Patriots Nation traditions.
Legacy at Gillette Stadium
In just over two decades, Gillette Stadium has become synonymous with championship success, unforgettable performances and iconic fan experiences. From Tom Brady leading the Patriots dynasty to Taylor Swift making Foxborough one of her favorite tour stops, the venue has secured its place among the most beloved stadiums in America.
Whether you’re catching an NFL showdown, cheering on the Revolution, or singing along to your favorite artist, Gillette Stadium delivers excitement every time.
Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek
Ready to experience everything Gillette Stadium has to offer? SeatGeek makes it easy to find the best tickets to Patriots games, Revolution matches and blockbuster concerts. With simple seat maps and price comparisons, you’ll be ready to enjoy one of New England’s premier entertainment destinations.