Gillette Stadium stands ready to welcome the world in summer 2026. Located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, this modern sports venue hosts seven FIFA World Cup matches between June 13 and July 9, 2026.
The stadium combines New England’s rich history with cutting-edge features to create an exceptional experience for soccer fans from across the globe.
About Gillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium opened its doors on May 11, 2002, replacing the adjacent Foxboro Stadium. The New England Revolution played the first match at the venue, defeating the Dallas Burn 2-0. Construction took just over two years, with owner Robert Kraft investing $325 million to build the facility.
The stadium serves as home to both the New England Patriots of the NFL and the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. Over 20 years, the venue has hosted major sporting events, concerts, and international soccer matches. The 2023 season brought a $250 million renovation, the largest upgrade since opening day.
Stadium Capacity
Gillette Stadium seats 64,628 fans for NFL games and FIFA World Cup matches. The venue includes 5,876 club seats and 92 luxury suites. For soccer matches like Revolution games, capacity adjusts to around 20,000 fans for a more intimate atmosphere.
Concert configurations expand capacity beyond 70,000. Ed Sheeran broke the single-show attendance record in 2023 with 71,723 fans. The flexible seating arrangements adapt to different event types throughout the year.
Location and Address
The stadium sits at 1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, Massachusetts, 02035. Foxborough lies 29 miles southwest of downtown Boston and 25 miles northeast of downtown Providence, Rhode Island. This location puts the venue within easy reach of two major metropolitan areas.
The stadium occupies 17.3 acres with a total building area of 1.9 million square feet. Patriot Place, a massive entertainment complex, surrounds the venue with restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions. The neighboring Bass Pro Shops and Cinema de Lux provide additional entertainment options for visitors.
Stadium Design and Architecture
HOK Sport (now Populous) led the architectural design, creating a structure that honors New England’s heritage. Brick, steel, and glass form the exterior, echoing the region’s colonial and industrial past. The design balances rugged fortress-like strength with modern entertainment functionality.
Natural granite outcroppings define the west concourse and playing field level. Designers built around these rock formations rather than removing them. This unique split-level design saves millions in construction costs and creates a distinctive character.
The asymmetrical seating bowl breaks from traditional oval stadium designs. This conscious choice creates varied sightlines and acoustics. The open northern end allows natural light to flood the interior and showcases the iconic lighthouse structure.
The stadium footprint reflects efficiency and smart engineering. Steel frame construction allowed modular assembly, with sections built simultaneously. Precast concrete and wide-span trusses reduced construction time and kept the project $8 million under budget.
The Lighthouse and Bridge
The 218-foot lighthouse towers above the north end zone as Gillette Stadium’s signature feature. This 22-story structure pays tribute to New England’s 160-plus maritime lighthouses and coastal heritage. The lighthouse opened to the public on October 1, 2023.
A 360-degree observation deck called the Lookout sits atop the structure. Visitors enjoy panoramic views of the stadium, surrounding area, and both Boston and Providence skylines. An elevator provides access to all guests, including those with mobility needs.
The lighthouse operates year-round from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Admission costs $5 for adults, with free entry for children 10 and under, active military, veterans, first responders, and season ticket members. The Lantern Room offers private event space connected to the observation deck.
An architectural bridge connects the two seating decks near the lighthouse. This structure creates a gateway into the venue and provides additional viewing areas. The bridge and lighthouse work together as symbolic markers of New England’s maritime identity.
Video Boards and Technology
The north end zone features the largest outdoor curved-radius video board at any sports venue in the United States. This massive display measures 370 feet wide by 60 feet tall, covering 22,200 square feet. The south end zone board measures 164 feet wide by 41.5 feet tall.
Daktronics manufactured both LED video scoreboards, which feature over 5 million individual LED pixels. The boards display up to 4.4 trillion shades of color with superior brightness in direct sunlight. Multiple content zones allow simultaneous display of live video, replays, statistics, graphics, and sponsorship messages.
The two video boards combined provide five times more screen size than the original 2002 displays. Digital LED ribbon boards wrap around the stadium, creating additional display space. All scoring, timing, video, and messaging integrate through a proven Daktronics control system.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Gillette Stadium ranks among the largest venues in Wi-Fi throughput and capacity. The network supports up to 65,000 simultaneous connections, handling 22 gigabytes of traffic during peak events. Extreme Networks provided the infrastructure through a long-term partnership.
The 2016 upgrade installed 1,100 wireless access points with 802.11ac Wave 2 technology. Workers laid 30 miles of new copper cabling and added 10 Gigabit internet services. This represents 300% more access points than the previous system.
Fans use Wi-Fi for mobile ticketing, concession ordering, content access, and social media sharing. Voice calls work over the network, ensuring reliable communication throughout the venue. The system extends beyond the bowl to concourses, walkways, turnstiles, parking facilities, and shuttle areas.
Point-of-sale terminals connect via Wi-Fi, expanding concession locations. Employees clock in and access applications through the network. Gate entry turnstiles operate on Wi-Fi connectivity. This comprehensive coverage enables seamless digital experiences for all visitors.
Getting to Gillette Stadium
By Car
Major highways provide direct access to the stadium. From Boston, take I-93 South to I-95 South, then Exit 9 onto Route 1 South for approximately 3 miles. From Providence, take I-95 North to I-495 North, then Exit 14A onto Route 1 North for about 4 miles.
Multiple parking lots surround the venue. Stadium-side prepaid parking costs $50 and requires advance purchase. Free general parking operates on the opposite side of Route 1, connected by a pedestrian bridge. Lots open 4 hours before Patriots games and Revolution matches.
Parking fills quickly for major events. Fans should arrive early or purchase prepaid parking in advance. The stadium prohibits oversize vehicles in certain lots. Standard parking spaces measure 9 feet by 18 feet.
By Train
MBTA Commuter Rail operates special event service from South Station in Boston on game days. The Providence/Stoughton line runs to Foxboro station, an 8-minute walk from the venue. Trains depart three hours before events and run every 15 minutes.
Round-trip fare costs $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased online or at MBTA vending machines. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes from Boston and 20 minutes from Providence. Return trains typically depart 30 minutes after events end.
Special concert and World Cup train service operates throughout the season. Fans should check event-specific schedules as regular Franklin Line service does not serve all games.
By Rideshare
Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up occurs in Lot 15, adjacent to Bass Pro Shops near the CVS Health Gate. Fans must schedule rides through the respective mobile apps. After events, exit via the CVS Health gate and follow pedestrian paths to Lot 15.
Rideshare services can experience high demand and surge pricing during major events. Booking advance car service eliminates uncertainty and provides guaranteed transportation.
Premium Seating Options
Cross Insurance Club
Club seating occupies sections CL6-CL13 and CL28-CL35 on the east and west sides of the stadium. The 5,876 club seats offer padded stadium-style seating with superior sightlines. Club members access private VIP entrances and exclusive club lounges.
The Cross Insurance Club lounges span over 11,000 square feet with 40-foot cathedral-style ceilings. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide panoramic views from end zone to end zone. These spaces offer upscale dining, full-service bars, private restrooms, and climate-controlled comfort.
High-end concessions rival Boston’s best restaurants. Three HD media walls display game action and statistics. Premium club sections around CL9, CL10, CL31, and CL32 offer the best views.
Luxury Suites
Gillette Stadium operates 92 luxury suites accommodating 20-30 guests each. Suite sizes range from 850 to 2,500 square feet. Each suite features climate control, comfortable seating, video walls, and private restrooms.
Suites cost $15,000 to $40,000 for regular season Patriots games, varying by matchup and location. In-suite catering is available at additional cost. Personal catering attendants serve guests throughout events. Suite guests can purchase VIP parking passes.
Private suite entrances provide exclusive access. Suites offer controlled environments away from weather and crowds. The G-P Atrium, a new 50,000-square-foot glass-enclosed space, connects suite levels with three HD media walls and a two-tiered outdoor balcony.
Additional Premium Spaces
The Bud Light Celebration Beer Hall offers premium field-level access with a 2,000-square-foot outdoor patio overlooking the end zone. Retractable windows provide views into the stadium’s bowels as athletes leave locker rooms.
Field-level hospitality spaces put fans close to sideline action. These high-energy areas feature premium drinks, upscale food, and plush seating. Multiple bars across club levels offer quiet spots for drinks and game analysis.
Food and Beverage Options
Gillette Stadium operates over 550 concession points of sale throughout the venue. Diverse options cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
Main Concession Stands
Tailgate Grill serves hamburgers, vegan burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and french fries. Stadium Pizza offers personal cheese and pepperoni pizzas, hot dogs, veggie dogs, and draft beer. Gluten-free bun options accommodate dietary restrictions.
Local Street Kitchen features fresh local green salads, Parmesan truffle fries, burgers, and fried chicken. Tenders and Wings locations serve chicken tenders, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, french fries, and snacks.
Food Court stands offer Italian sausages, footlong hot dogs, burritos, and BBQ sandwiches. Del Frisco’s Grille provides pressed paninis, hand-stretched pizzas, fresh wraps and salads, seasonal soups, steak tip subs, and house-baked snacks.
Specialty Options
Pulled Pork and BBQ stands serve pulled pork nachos, pulled chicken nachos, BBQ sandwiches, and beef brisket. Mexican-inspired locations offer burritos, enchiladas, salads, and wraps. Smashburger stands feature gourmet smashburgers with self-serve draft beer and cocktails on tap.
Market Express locations in sections 105 and 129 provide grab-and-go options. Three glass-enclosed concession markets feature grab-and-go technology and self-pouring beer kiosks. Assorted snacks, draft beer, hard seltzer, and cider are available throughout the venue.
Beverages
Beverage options include Pepsi products, water, Gatorade, hot chocolate, hot and iced coffee, draft beer, craft beer, canned craft cocktails, hard seltzer, and cider. Rotating local beers and premium cocktails are available at specialty locations.
Dietary Accommodations
Nut-free options include chicken tenders, wings, french fries, cheese pizza, pepperoni pizza, and most items at Market Express locations. Dairy-free choices feature hamburgers, beyond meat burgers, chicken items, and various candies. Gluten-free hot dog and hamburger buns are available upon request at certain stands.
Accessibility Features
Gillette Stadium provides wheelchair and companion seating with enhanced sightlines on every level at all price points. Accessible seating can be purchased by calling the ticket office at (508) 384-9191 when tickets go on sale.
Six accessible elevators serve guests with disabilities during Patriots games. Accessible express elevators operate on the east side near the Ticketmaster gate and west side near the Bank of America gate. Additional elevators at suite level entrances provide access to all levels.
Public code-compliant ramps are available at the Ticketmaster Gate, Bank of America Gate, and CVS Health Gate. All public restrooms meet accessibility standards. Adult changing tables operate in Main Concourse West and Upper Concourse East first aid bathrooms.
Free ADA parking operates in Lot 55 for guests with valid ADA placards or license plates. Shuttle service transports guests and one companion between the parking lot and stadium. All concession stands feature accessible counter heights for wheelchair users.
Service animals assisting guests with disabilities are welcome throughout the venue. The stadium does not provide wheelchairs for guest use but offers comprehensive accessible seating options. Guests should contact customer service early for seating relocation needs.
Additional Amenities
Five cash-to-card kiosks operate throughout the venue. Four first aid stations provide medical assistance. The stadium operates with mobile ticketing only through the official Gillette Stadium app. Guests can download the free app from the App Store or Google Play.
Family restrooms accommodate caregivers assisting children or adults needing assistance. Two family sections prohibit alcohol sales, enhancing the experience for families with young children. The stadium implements a clear bag policy with specific size restrictions for security.
Guest services centers offer walk-in assistance with stadium questions and concerns. Two walk-up bars provide quick beverage service on the lower concourse. A refurbished merchandise location sells official team gear and souvenirs.
The Row of Honor recognizes active duty military members at each event. The Enel Plaza and grand staircase create an impressive entrance to the venue. The G-P Atrium functions year-round for hospitality and private events.
FIFA World Cup 2026 at Gillette Stadium
Boston hosts seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at Gillette Stadium. The venue will be temporarily renamed “Boston Stadium” during the tournament due to FIFA sponsorship regulations. Five group stage matches occur on June 13, 16, 19, 23, and 26. A Round of 32 elimination match follows on June 29. The final match is a quarterfinal on July 9.
FIFA expects the tournament to bring 450,000 visitors to the Boston area with a projected economic impact of $500 million. Over 2 million visitors are expected throughout New England during the event. Boston competed against 22 finalist cities across North America to earn host city status.
Tickets for World Cup matches are sold exclusively through FIFA’s official portal at FIFA.com/tickets. Single-game tickets start at approximately $60, with premium seats reaching $6,730. FIFA uses variable pricing that adjusts based on demand. Multiple ticket sales phases continue through June 2026.
A one-bag policy limits guests to pre-approved bags. Mobile ticketing is mandatory for all World Cup matches. The Gillette Stadium app provides essential information for match days. Fan festivals throughout Boston offer celebrations for both ticket holders and general visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you tour Gillette Stadium when there are no events?
Gillette Stadium offers limited public access on non-event days. The Lighthouse observation deck operates daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM year-round, providing spectacular views and photo opportunities. The Patriots Hall of Fame, connected to the stadium, features interactive exhibits showcasing team history. Patriot Place shopping and dining complex remains open daily with restaurants, stores, Bass Pro Shops, and entertainment venues. Private event spaces and luxury suites can be rented for corporate functions, meetings, and special occasions. Formal stadium tours are not regularly available, but the Lighthouse and surrounding attractions offer excellent ways to experience the venue outside of game days.
2. How early should I arrive at Gillette Stadium before a match?
Arriving 2-3 hours before kickoff gives you enough time to navigate traffic, park, and find your seats. Parking lots open 4 hours before Patriots games, allowing time for tailgating activities. For World Cup matches and major events, arriving even earlier helps avoid congestion on Route 1. If using MBTA Commuter Rail, trains begin running 3 hours before events with service every 15 minutes. Stadium gates typically open 1-2 hours before events. Early arrival lets you explore Patriot Place restaurants and shops, visit the Lighthouse observation deck, and enjoy pre-match atmosphere. Rideshare and taxi services experience heavy demand near kickoff, so extra time prevents rushing.
3. What items are prohibited inside Gillette Stadium?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the venue. Bags must meet clear bag policy requirements: clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, or small clutch bags measuring 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches by 2 inches. Weapons, fireworks, laser pointers, and noisemakers are strictly prohibited. Professional cameras with detachable lenses cannot enter the stadium. Umbrellas, strollers, and large backpacks are not allowed. All guests pass through security screening with metal detector wands upon entry. Specific events may have additional restrictions, so checking the event page before attending is recommended. The stadium provides numerous concession options once inside the venue.
4. Does Gillette Stadium have restaurants and hotels nearby?
Patriot Place entertainment complex surrounds Gillette Stadium with over 30 restaurants and bars within walking distance. Dining options include CBS Scene Restaurant & Bar, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, The Hall at Patriot Place, Davios Northern Italian Steakhouse, and multiple casual chains. Two hotels operate onsite at Patriot Place: Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott. These properties offer convenient accommodations steps from the stadium entrance. Additional hotels operate throughout Foxborough and nearby Mansfield. Bass Pro Shops, a massive outdoor retail store, provides shopping opportunities. Cinema de Lux operates a full-service movie theater. The shopping complex includes national retailers, boutiques, and a bowling alley, creating a complete entertainment destination.
5. Is re-entry allowed at Gillette Stadium?
Re-entry is not permitted at Gillette Stadium under any circumstances. Once guests exit the venue, they cannot return unless an emergency situation occurs. This policy applies to all events including NFL games, MLS matches, concerts, and World Cup matches. Guests should plan accordingly before entering, ensuring they have everything needed for the duration of the event. The stadium provides comprehensive food, beverage, and amenity options inside to accommodate guests throughout events. Smoking areas operate inside designated zones rather than requiring guests to leave the premises. Multiple first aid stations handle medical needs without requiring venue exit. The no re-entry policy helps maintain security and efficient crowd management during high-attendance events.
