Attending any sporting event or concert in a popular stadium doesn’t come without planning your visit. Since there are multiple things to have in mind, such as accommodations, restaurants, and the overall history, it’s a time-consuming activity. That’s why we want to save you the trouble and give you all the needed information in one place.
We’ll introduce you to the best places to grab a drink or a meal, where you can get tickets for your favorite sporting event, and even provide you with the best parking spots near the stadium. Continue reading to discover the renowned Gillette Stadium and all that the town of Foxborough has to offer!
- Gillette Stadium: Key Facts
- Where Is Gillette Stadium Located?
- The Best Way to Get to Gillette Stadium
- Parking Near Gillette Stadium
- The Best Restaurants Near Gillette Stadium
- The Best Bars Near Gillette Stadium
- The Best Hotels Near Gillette Stadium
- The History of Gillette Stadium
- Where to Get Tickets for Gillette Stadium
- Does Gillette Stadium Offer Tours?
- Conclusion
Gillette Stadium: Key Facts
The Gillette Stadium is located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and is home to both the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution. As a replacement for the Foxboro Stadium, the venue opened in 2002 and has a seating capacity of 65,878. Furthermore, on its grounds, you’ll find 89 luxury suites and 5,876 club seats.
The stadium is mostly known for NFL sporting events and college football. On September 9, 2002, the Patriots proved victorious against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first game held in the stadium. The first playoff game will always be remembered as one of the coldest in Patriots’ history, reaching 4 degrees.
When it comes to lacrosse, several NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships were hosted at the venue. In 2019, there were multiple Women’s Professional Lacrosse League games and the first game of the Premier Lacrosse League. As for other sporting events, Gillette Stadium has hosted the eighth NHL Winter Classic and several memorable soccer matches.
Furthermore, various world-renowned artists have stepped foot on the stadium’s stage. The first ever was the Rolling Stones, followed by Metallica and Bon Jovi. Other popular artists include Green Day, Elton John, AC/DC, Kenny Chesney, U2, Taylor Swift, and Rammstein.
Where Is Gillette Stadium Located?
The Gillette Stadium is located in Patriot Place, at the address 1 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035. Since there’s an open-air shopping center built around the venue, there are numerous fun activities to partake in. Right next to the stadium, you’ll find The Patriots Hall of Fame and the Pro Shop, honoring the Patriots’ victories.
The Best Way to Get to Gillette Stadium
Depending on where you’re traveling from, there are several ways to get to Gillette Stadium. We’ll cover both the routes for those traveling by car and the public transportation options.
Traveling by car
If you’re traveling by car, you can take different routes depending on your starting point. For those traveling from Boston, the best way to get to the stadium is by taking I-93 South. You’ll have to take Exit 19, which merges onto I-95 and follow it down for 3 miles to reach the venue.
When traveling from Cape Cod, you’re supposed to take Exit 36A from I-495 North to Route 1 North. Keep following the road for 4 miles, and you’ll notice Gillette Stadium on your right.
From Maine and New Hampshire, you can reach I-95 South by taking I-128 South and then go onto Route One South through Exit 19. On the other hand, if you’re traveling from Vermont or Upstate New York, get to I-495 South from I-90 East. Next, you take Exit 36A and follow Route 1 North for around 4 miles to the stadium.
Lastly, if you want to get there from southern Connecticut and Rhode Island, you should start at I-95 North. Then, you merge onto I-495 North and take Exit 36A. Continue following Route 1 North for 4 miles, and you’ll see the stadium to your right.
Traveling by train
If you don’t own a car, you can reach Gillette Stadium by catching a train from Boston or Rhode Island. However, the MBTA only offers transportation for select sporting events.
For those traveling from Boston, you can catch the train from South Station, while from Rhode Island, there’s Providence Station. Make sure to get a ticket on time since there’s only a limited number of tickets, which are usually sold out on game days. You can do so through the MBTA mTicket app or the ticket offices at Back Bay and South stations a week before the event.
Furthermore, the price for round trips on game days is $20. Keep in mind that regular tickets and the $ 10 weekend passes aren’t valid for event trains. If you choose this travel option, make sure you travel light because large bags aren’t allowed onboard.
Once you’ve dropped off at Foxboro Station, the Gillette Stadium is only a 4-minute walk away.
Other transportation options
If you’re looking to catch a cab near the stadium, you can do so from the taxi pickup. During Patriot games, it’s located on Lot 15, while for concerts, you can find it on Lot 6A. Another option is catching an Uber or Lyft, with a pick-up and drop-off location at Lot 15.
Parking Near Gillette Stadium
If you’re traveling by car, Gillette Stadium has several private parking lots at your disposal.
For Patriot games, the parking is open four hours before the kickoff and closes two hours after the event. However, if the game is during the nighttime, the lots close immediately after its end. General parking is available at P11, P10S, and P10N, while ADA-accessible lots are P7 and P1. Note that stadium-side parking is only available with a prepaid option.
For Revolution games, the lots are open two hours before the start and close 90 minutes after the match. As for concerts, you can park four hours prior to the event, but you’ll have to leave as soon as it ends. If you’re traveling from I-95, you can reach the P10N and P2 lots, while from I-495, you can reach lots P9, P7, P11, and P10S.
There are a few simple rules to follow, such as occupying only one parking space and not leaving your vehicle after the lots close. As for tailgating, the option is only available when the lots are open for general parking. Please note that open fires are prohibited, and you must dispose of burning materials properly.
The Best Restaurants Near Gillette Stadium
There’s nothing like a warm meal after an exciting event at Gillette Stadium. That’s why we choose the best restaurants within a short walking distance of your event. Here, you can feast on some delicious cuisine, rest up, and enjoy the overall ambiance.
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
If you’re craving a premium Italian steak, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse is the place to be. This high-end restaurant is located in Patriot Place, just 4 minutes away from Gillette Stadium. For those traveling by car, there’s valet parking available for $8, Thursday through Saturday after 5 PM.
This award-winning venue offers an elegant dining area, an outdoor patio, and outstanding hospitality. Furthermore, there’s a spotless chef’s table overlooking the kitchen and a bar where you can kick back and relax. Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse offers several private dining options and events for every taste.
Food and menu
The menu offers numerous selections, from brunch, dinner, and breakfast to gluten-free options and desserts. Don’t miss out on the Saturday-only brunch opportunity, served from 11 AM to 1:30 PM. During this experience, you can taste the $14 banana pancakes and the $15 smoked salmon.
Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM and Saturdays from 11 AM to 1:30 PM. We highly recommend you try the $18 Davio’s meatballs, $22 sampler of spring rolls, and $24 spaghettini.
If you’re interested in having dinner, it’s available every day. During the experience, you should get a taste of the Torre Di Pesce and the Maine lobster. There’s also a kids’ menu featuring chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and lots of sweets. Lastly, the bar menu offers a raw bar and exclusive drinks for you to enjoy.
Additional information
| Location | Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse |
| Open hours | Monday-Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM Friday-Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM |
| Phone number | (508) 339-4810 |
| Price range | $$$ |
Skipjack’s
For those looking for mouthwatering seafood, check out Skipjack’s. It’s located in Patriot Place, within a 3-minute walk from the stadium. As a sign of unforgettable hospitality, the staff will happily greet you at the door and escort you to the contemporary dining room.
For sporting fans, there are 20-foot HDTVs where you can catch up on the latest sporting events. Another unique detail is the live lobster tank, while the floor-to-ceiling wine wall showcases over 300 premium bottles. Furthermore, the restaurant offers a loyalty program for frequent guests and hosts private dining events.
Food and menu
Skipjack’s is well-known for its seasonal daily menus and fresh ingredients. The all-day food menu includes appetizers, salads, classic fried, signatures, sandwiches, market fish, and family boxes. There’s a variety of drinks to choose from, including hand-crafted cocktails, draft beer, and wines.
As for lunch specials, there are $18 clam strip rolls, spicy Asian BBQ salmon, shrimp, and cod fra diavolo, as well as $15 BBQ chicken flatbread. If you’re lucky, you might get the chance to try the Baja fish tacos and homemade chocolate mousse. They’re usually available on the $40 weekly menu.
If you want to try out the full sushi menu, it’s available from 12 PM to 2:30 PM and from 5 PM to 9 PM. On it, you’ll find tuna martini, unagi maki, sashimi deluxe, and premium sake.
Additional information
| Location | Skipjack’s |
| Open hours | Monday-Thursday: 12 PM – 9 PM Friday-Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Phone number | (508) 543-2200 |
| Price range | $$$ |
The Best Bars Near Gillette Stadium
Six String Grill & Stage
After satisfying your hunger, there’s a variety of bars that you can visit and grab a drink with your friends. If you’re looking for some live music, check out Six String Grill & Stage, located only 5 minutes away. They offer tons of entertaining events, including line dancing and trivia nights.
Additional information
| Location | Six String Grill & Stage |
| Open hours | Monday-Tuesday: 12 PM – 9 PM Wednesday-Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM Friday: 12 PM – 12:30 AM Saturday: 11 AM – 12:30 AM Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM |
| Phone number | (774) 215-7911 |
Wormtown Brewery
Wormtown Brewery is only 4 minutes away from Gillette Stadium and has the perfect atmosphere for pre-game excitement. Grab your friends and go for a round of beers while cheering your team along. Within the same distance, there’s also Studio 3, where you can enjoy both a delicious cocktail and a snack.
Additional information
| Location | Wormtown Brewery Patriot Place |
| Open hours | Monday-Wednesday: 4 PM – 10 PM Thursday-Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Phone number | (774) 215-5403 |
The Best Hotels Near Gillette Stadium
After a delicious meal and an exciting night out, there are numerous luxury accommodations to call home for the night. However, not all of them have ideal locations like the ones we chose for you. Here are some must-visit places that’ll make your stay near Gillette Stadium unforgettable.
Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough Patriot Place
First on our list is the Hilton Garden Inn, located in Patriot Place, only 6 minutes away from the stadium. For those traveling by car, there’s complimentary self-parking available, as well as $60 valet parking. Furthermore, if you’re traveling with pets, they’ll happily welcome you for a $75 non-refundable pet fee.
The venue comes with an on-site restaurant known as Garden Grille, where you’ll find fresh breakfast and delicious grilled meats. For those who want to stay connected, there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the whole venue. Additionally, there’s an indoor pool where you can kick back and relax a cozy bar, and a fully equipped fitness center.
Other hotel amenities include a self-service laundry, an on-site grocery shop, a 24/7 front desk, and a business center.
Room amenities
The rooms at the hotel offer different amenities depending on your choice. However, most of them provide you with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and coffee makers.
You’ll get a good night’s sleep due to the luxurious bed and bedding, and you’ll also find refrigerators and coffee makers as part of the little kitchen. As for entertainment, there’s in-room Wi-Fi available, as well as a 49-inch TV and a work desk.
Additional information
| Location | Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough Patriot Place |
| Phone number | (508) 543-2040 |
| Average price per night | $185 |
| Rating | 3-star hotel |
Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel
The second closest hotel to the stadium is the Renaissance Hotel, which you can reach within a 6-minute walk. Since it’s located in Patriot Place, you’ll find various attractions nearby, as well as on-site complimentary parking. For those traveling for business, there are nine meeting rooms and a business center available.
If you’re craving some American cuisine, check out the on-site restaurant and bar. For exercise, there’s a fully equipped gym and an indoor heated pool that comes with complimentary towels. The venue is child-friendly and features a grocery shop, laundry, baggage storage, and wake-up calls.
Room amenities
Spending a night at the Renaissance Hotel is a real treat since all the rooms come with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and coffee makers. While some of them are equipped with refrigerators and microwaves, others have bathtubs.
Furthermore, there are in-room safes and Wi-Fi, as well as TVs for your entertainment. Other amenities include ironing boards, hairdryers, desks, and phones.
Additional information
| Location | Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel |
| Phone number | (508) 543-5500 |
| Average price per night | $200 |
| Rating | 4-star hotel |
The History of Gillette Stadium
Before the Gillette Stadium was built, the Patriots team had to call the low-budget Foxboro Stadium their home. With multiple issues, such as frozen benches, unorganized parking, and miserable seating space, it was known as the NFL’s smallest stadium. Since it didn’t bring enough profit back, multiple cities tried to win over the Patriots with promises of new venues.
After long and thoughtful discussions about the team’s new home location, Robert Kraft, the owner of the Patriots, decided to fund a new stadium in Foxboro himself. The news was announced on April 18, 2000, and the venue promised 68,000 seats and 3,000 parking spaces.
HOK Sport designed the Gillette Stadium, and the entrance originally featured a lighthouse and a bridge inspired by Boston’s Longfellow Bridge. Today, you’ll find these characteristics engraved in the stadium’s logo.
While there were only small LED video displays for the first eight years, in 2010, they upgraded them to HD Daktronics ones. A renovation project began in January 2022, worth $225 million, and is expected to be done before the 2023 NFL season. It features a new outdoor video board, a 218-foot lighthouse, a plaza, and a fan entrance.
Where to Get Tickets for Gillette Stadium
If you’re planning on attending a game or a concert at Gillette Stadium, know that the venue only accepts mobile tickets. This is due to the recent renovations happening at the stadium, making the ticket office unavailable. However, you can easily purchase tickets through the Ticketmaster website.
Once you’ve made a purchase and have arrived at the stadium, you can access them through the Gillette Stadium app. You’ll need to install the mobile app, available on both Google Play Store and App Store, and show the ticket’s barcode at the entrance. Please note that screenshots are not allowed for entrance.
Does Gillette Stadium Offer Tours?
The stadium does offer tours, however, they may be delayed due to the renovations. You’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover the venue’s behind-the-scenes secrets and explore the playing field. Furthermore, this exclusive offer is only available to those attending an event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gillette Stadium has an ideal location with everything you need nearby. Since Patriot Place is built around it, you’ll find restaurants, bars, hotels, and fun activities, all within a walking distance. Now that you’re informed about its history, where to get tickets, and where to find the best parking spots, we hope you have an exquisite time during your visit!
