Sullivan Stadium

Sullivan Stadium, also known as Schaefer Stadium and Foxboro Stadium, was a stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and was home to the New England Patriots of the National Football League from 1971 to 2001. The stadium was named after the Sullivan Family, who were the original owners of the team, and was also sponsored by Schaefer Beer and later by Foxboro companies. The stadium hosted many notable events, including Monday Night Football games, American Football League games, and Major League Soccer matches featuring the New England Revolution. The stadium was also used for concerts, including performances by The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Aerosmith.

● History

The stadium was built in 1970 and opened in 1971, with the New England Patriots playing their first game there on August 15, 1971, against the New York Giants. The stadium was originally known as Schaefer Stadium, but was later renamed Sullivan Stadium in 1983, and then Foxboro Stadium in 1989. The stadium hosted many notable events, including the 1985 AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins, and the 1996 AFC Divisional Playoff Game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The stadium also hosted concerts, including performances by Elton John, Billy Joel, and U2. The stadium was also used for Soccer matches, including games featuring the New England Revolution and the United States men's national soccer team, who played against teams like Brazil national football team and Mexico national football team.

● Design and Construction

The stadium was designed by Foley, Nolan, and Assoc. and built by Bliss and Nyitray Inc. at a cost of $7.1 million. The stadium had a seating capacity of 60,292, and featured a AstroTurf playing surface. The stadium's design was influenced by the Pittsburgh Steelers' Three Rivers Stadium and the Kansas City Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. The stadium's construction was overseen by New England Patriots owner Billy Sullivan, who worked with National Football League officials to ensure that the stadium met the league's standards. The stadium was also designed to host other events, including concerts and Soccer matches, and featured a state-of-the-art sound system and Jumbotron video board. The stadium's design was also influenced by the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Rose Bowl Stadium.

● Tenants and Events

The stadium was home to the New England Patriots from 1971 to 2001, and also hosted games featuring the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. The stadium also hosted many notable events, including Monday Night Football games, American Football League games, and College Football games featuring teams like the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football and the USC Trojans football. The stadium also hosted concerts, including performances by The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, and Bruce Springsteen. The stadium was also used for High School Football games, including the Massachusetts High School Football state championships, and featured teams like the Xaverian Brothers High School and the St. John's Preparatory School. The stadium also hosted International Soccer matches, including games featuring the United States women's national soccer team and the Brazil women's national football team.

● Seating and Facilities

The stadium had a seating capacity of 60,292, and featured a variety of seating options, including Club Seats, Suite Seats, and General Admission seating. The stadium also featured a variety of facilities, including Concession Stands, Restrooms, and Merchandise Stands. The stadium's seating was designed to provide optimal views of the field, and featured a unique Upper Deck design that provided fans with a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The stadium also featured a state-of-the-art sound system and Jumbotron video board, which provided fans with a unique and immersive experience. The stadium's facilities were also designed to host other events, including concerts and Soccer matches, and featured a variety of amenities, including Food and Beverage options and ATM machines. The stadium was also accessible by Public Transportation, including the MBTA Commuter Rail and the Foxborough Bus.

● Demolition and Legacy

The stadium was demolished in 2002, and was replaced by Gillette Stadium, which is the current home of the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution. The stadium's demolition was overseen by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who worked with National Football League officials to ensure that the demolition was done safely and efficiently. The stadium's legacy lives on, however, and it is still remembered fondly by fans of the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution. The stadium's history and significance are also commemorated by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which recognize the stadium's contributions to the sports of American Football and Soccer. The stadium's legacy is also celebrated by the New England Patriots Hall of Fame and the New England Revolution Hall of Fame, which honor the stadium's greatest players and moments. The stadium is also remembered by Foxborough residents, who recall the stadium's impact on the local community and economy, and its role in hosting events like the Fourth of July celebrations and the Foxborough Festival.

Category:Defunct stadiums in the United States