Gillette Stadium seats 65,878 fans and has witnessed six Super Bowl championship celebrations. Located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the stadium combines modern amenities with classic New England weather challenges. This guide covers everything from parking to surviving a December night game.
The Foxborough Experience
Gillette Stadium sits 30 miles south of Boston in a suburban setting. Unlike urban NFL stadiums, Foxborough requires intentional planning—there's no walking from a downtown hotel or taking a subway.
The upside: Patriot Place, the shopping and entertainment complex surrounding the stadium, offers restaurants, bars, and even a movie theater for pre-game activities.
Best Seats at Gillette
Putnam Club (Sections 200-216)
Premium seating with indoor access, heated areas, and upscale food options. Essential for cold-weather games. Prices reflect the comfort: $350-600 per game.
Lower Bowl (100s)
Close to the action with no obstruction. Sections 111-121 are midfield with the best viewing angles. Expect $200-400 for regular season games.
300 Level
The value tier with excellent sightlines due to steep rake. Fully exposed to weather but captures the stadium atmosphere. $100-200 for most games.
Tailgating at Gillette
Gillette Stadium tailgating is legendary. The massive parking lots transform into a pre-game festival hours before kickoff.
The Scene
- Lots open 4-5 hours before kickoff
- Grills, generators, and elaborate setups everywhere
- New England clam chowder competes with traditional BBQ
- Cornhole tournaments and football tosses
- Neighborly atmosphere—fans share food and drinks
Patriot Place Dining
- CBS Sporting Club: Massive screens, game-focused atmosphere
- Davio's: Upscale Italian, good for pre-game dinner
- Bar Louie: Casual spot with craft beers
- Skipjack's: Seafood including New England classics
Parking Strategies
Official Lots
Pre-purchase recommended. P1-P4 are closest but slowest to exit. P8-P15 offer easier departures. Standard pricing: $40-60.
Private Lots
Residents and businesses along Route 1 offer parking for $30-50. Quality varies widely. Cash only in most cases.
Weather Preparation
New England weather is notoriously brutal:
- September: Often pleasant (55-70°F), occasional rain
- October-November: Cooling rapidly (35-55°F), layers essential
- December-January: Full winter conditions (15-35°F), snow possible
Cold Weather Survival Kit
- ✓ Base layer (moisture-wicking)
- ✓ Insulated jacket
- ✓ Hand and toe warmers
- ✓ Insulated boots
- ✓ Blanket or stadium seat cushion
- ✓ Hot coffee (buy inside if needed)
Gameday Traditions
- The Lighthouse: The replica lighthouse celebrates touchdowns
- "Crazy Train": Played before kickoff
- Pat Patriot: The classic mascot roams the sidelines
- Championship banners: Six Super Bowl banners hang prominently
Quick Reference: Gillette Stadium
- Address: 1 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035
- Capacity: 65,878
- Opened: 2002
- Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff
- Key tip: Layer up for late-season games