Gillette Stadium

Gillette Stadium
source
Name	Gillette Stadium
Location	Foxborough, Massachusetts
Broke ground	March 2000
Opened	May 2002
Owner	The Kraft Group
Operator	The Kraft Group
Surface	FieldTurf
Construction cost	$325 million
Architect	Populous
Structural engineer	Odeh Engineers
Capacity	65,878 (football), 20,000+ (soccer)
Tenants	New England Patriots (NFL), New England Revolution (MLS)

Gillette Stadium is a premier multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue located in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Owned and operated by The Kraft Group, it serves as the home field for the New England Patriots of the National Football League and the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. Since its opening in 2002, it has become a landmark facility in New England, hosting a wide array of major sporting events, concerts, and international competitions.

History

The stadium's development was spearheaded by Robert Kraft, who purchased the Patriots in 1994 and sought to replace the aging Foxboro Stadium. Construction began in March 2000 on land adjacent to the old stadium, with the project financed entirely through private funds from The Kraft Group. The venue opened in May 2002 as CMGI Field, named for an early corporate sponsor, but was renamed in 2002 following a landmark naming rights agreement with The Gillette Company. Key early events included the first Patriots preseason game in August 2002 and the 2002 MLS Cup, which was won by the Los Angeles Galaxy. The stadium's opening marked a new era for the region's sports infrastructure, coinciding with the Patriots' dynasty under coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

Design and features

Designed by the renowned architectural firm Populous, the stadium features a contemporary, horseshoe-shaped design with an open north end facing a landscaped plaza. Its most distinctive external feature is the Lighthouse structure, a functional replica that pays homage to New England's maritime history and contains premium club spaces. The facility includes extensive premium seating options such as the Putnam Club and Fidelity Investments Clubhouse, along with over 80 luxury suites. The playing surface is a synthetic FieldTurf system, and the stadium is equipped with two massive Daktronics video boards. The adjacent Patriot Place development, a sprawling retail and entertainment complex, integrates directly with the stadium grounds.

Events

Beyond its primary tenants, the stadium is a sought-after destination for major events. It has hosted numerous editions of the Army–Navy Game, the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship, and international soccer matches featuring teams like Chelsea F.C. and Real Madrid. It was a venue for the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, the 2016 Copa América Centenario, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to host matches there. The stadium has also been a major concert venue, with performances by iconic acts such as The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, and Kenny Chesney. Other notable events include Monster Jam spectacles and the annual Country Fest music festival.

Tenants and management

The stadium's primary and founding tenant is the New England Patriots, who have played there since the 2002 NFL season and have won multiple Super Bowl championships during their tenure. The New England Revolution of Major League Soccer began play at the venue in 2002 and have reached multiple MLS Cup finals. Both teams are owned by Robert Kraft through The Kraft Group, which also fully manages the stadium operations. This integrated ownership model under The Kraft Group is rare in American professional sports and allows for cohesive scheduling and facility development. The stadium also hosts the football teams of the University of Massachusetts Amherst for select games.

Transportation and access

Located approximately 22 miles southwest of Boston, the stadium is accessible via Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority provides special MBTA Commuter Rail service on game days via the Franklin/Foxboro Line to the dedicated Foxboro station adjacent to the stadium. An extensive network of parking lots surrounds the venue, managed to facilitate traffic flow for large events. The development of Patriot Place has enhanced pedestrian access and amenities, creating a walkable environment for patrons. Regional transportation plans have periodically included proposals for more permanent rail service to support the venue's year-round event schedule.