A Guide to the Stadium
Gillette Stadium serves as the home of the New England Patriots and is the central feature of the Patriot Place retail and entertainment district. Located between Boston and Providence, the open-air venue is characterized by its signature lighthouse and north end zone plaza.
Getting to the Stadium
The stadium sits in a suburban/rural setting about equidistant from Boston and Providence. Its location off I-95 and Route 1 makes it accessible by car, though public transit options are limited.
Driving & Parking
- DrivingFrom Boston, take I-93 South to I-95 South (also signed as Route 128) to Exit 9 (Route 1 South). From Providence, take I-95 North to Exit 9 (Route 1 North). From the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), take I-95 South to Exit 9. Route 1 is the primary artery and becomes heavily congested 2-3 hours before kickoff.
- ParkingGillette Stadium offers two main gameday parking choices for Patriots home games: free general parking in stadium-owned lots across Route 1, and paid parking in the stadium-side lots for fans who want a to be closer to the gates. General parking does not require a pass, while the stadium-side option is limited and may require advance purchase when available. For tailgate supplies, Trader Joe's at Patriot Place is exceptionally convenient — a grocery store built into the stadium complex. Stop & Shop is a New England grocery chain with locations along Route 1. For beverages, Yankee Spirits in Sturbridge and Route One Wine & Spirits near the stadium offer solid selections.
- Delayed Exit ParkingA "Be Paid to Park" program exists where fans who park in delayed-exit lots (Lots 45 and 55B) and wait 75 minutes after the game receive a $50 Visa gift card.
Public Transit
- The MBTA commuter rail runs special Foxboro service on game days from Boston's South Station and Back Bay Station. The train drops you at Foxboro Station, about a half-mile walk from the stadium. It's the best option for fans staying in Boston, though trains fill up quickly and return service after the game but can be extremely crowded.
Rideshare
- The designated rideshare drop-off and pickup location for Patriots games is Lot 15, closest to the CVS Health Gate and adjacent to Bass Pro Shops. Post-game, Route 1 gridlocks with traffic. The MBTA train is often faster for returning to Boston, or plan to wait at a Patriot Place restaurant until traffic clears.
Pregame Festivities
Patriot Place is a 1.3 million-square-foot shopping and entertainment complex integrated with the stadium that serves as the primary pregame destination. The surrounding Route 1 corridor in Foxborough has additional options, though it's suburban chain territory.
Pregame Bars & Restaurants
- A live music venue and restaurant at Patriot Place offering Southern-inspired food, craft cocktails, and live performances. The atmosphere builds as game time approaches and it's conveniently located steps from the stadium gates.
- A bar and restaurant at Patriot Place with craft cocktails, a solid beer list, and a lively gameday atmosphere. Multiple screens and a spacious layout make it a reliable pregame option.
- A pizzeria and restaurant at Patriot Place serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, creative cocktails, and Italian-American fare in a modern setting. A step up from standard stadium area pizza.
- A New Orleans-inspired bar serving frozen cocktails, daiquiris, and Cajun-inspired fare. The frozen drinks are a draw, especially for tailgate warm-ups.
- A restaurant and bar near Patriot Place offering elevated American cuisine with a craft cocktail program.
- A neighborhood bar a few miles away in the Wrentham just off of Route 1 offering standard bar fare and a local crowd.
- A gastropub in the greater Foxborough area serving creative American food and an extensive draft beer list.
Monuments & Unique Features
Gillette Stadium's defining features celebrate the Patriots dynasty and the unique atmosphere of the Patriot Place complex.
- The LighthouseThe 218-foot lighthouse structure at the north end of the stadium is Gillette Stadium's most recognizable feature. Its light activates after every Patriots score, and the lighthouse has become the unofficial symbol of the franchise. A bridge connects the lighthouse to the upper level.
- The Patriots Hall of FameThe Patriots Hall of Fame is an interactive museum at Patriot Place on the north side of the stadium dedicated to preserving team history and honoring the greatest players, coaches, and moments in franchise history. Opened in 2008, the Hall features exhibits on the Patriots’ six Super Bowl championships, championship trophies and rings, and hands-on displays that let fans relive signature moments from the dynasty era.
- The Six Super Bowl BannersSix championship banners hang above the south scoreboard commemorating Super Bowls XXXVI (2001), XXXVIII (2003), XXXIX (2004), XLIX (2014), LI (2016), and LIII (2018).
- The End Zone MilitiaOn game days, a group of men dressed in Revolutionary War-era Minuteman costumes fire muskets from a platform behind the north end zone after every Patriots score. It's one of the most distinctive celebrations in the NFL.
- Tom Brady StatueA bronze statue of the legendary QB is outside of the north end of the stadium, facing the Patriots Hall of Fame
Seating & Special Sections
- Putnam ClubThe main premium club level with padded seats, climate controlled lounges, premium food and beverage, and private restrooms. The best sightlines in the stadium.
- Optum Field LoungeA field level premium experience offering proximity to the action with all-inclusive food and beverage.
- Luxury SuitesOver 80 suites across multiple levels with catering, private restrooms, and dedicated attendants.
- The Lighthouse LandingStanding room area near the lighthouse in the north end zone, offering a social atmosphere with bar access.
Concessions
- Signature ItemsNew England clam chowder in a bread bowl is the signature stadium food — fitting for a New England venue. Lobster rolls appear at select premium stands. Sullivan's hot dogs bring a local Boston favorite to the stadium. Kayem franks (a New England brand) are the standard hot dog.
- Value ItemsStandard hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and popcorn are available throughout. Prices run $10-$16 for basic items.
- DrinksSam Adams — Boston's hometown brewery — is the anchor craft beer. Harpoon, Wachusett, and other New England craft breweries are represented. Dunkin' Donuts coffee is available throughout (this is New England, after all). Standard domestics are everywhere. Beer runs $14-$18.
Stadium Information
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this stadium