New England Patriots At Home Is A Massachusetts Must-See

The 2022 New England Patriots face challenges with key coaching changes and formidable teams in Buffalo and Miami. However, the loyal fans remain unfazed. With six rings and the leadership of Belichick, they firmly believe that the path to the Super Bowl still goes through Gillette Stadium. Catching a Patriots game at home in Massachusetts is an absolute must-see for the upcoming year.

Patriots fans are eagerly wondering if they will have the opportunity to place bets on their beloved team during the 2022 season. With the recent passing of the sports betting law in Massachusetts, it is unclear if a functional system can be established in time for this upcoming season.

If you’re planning to visit Gillette this season as a fan, here are some tips to enhance your Patriots game day experience.

Getting to the game

Located approximately 20 miles southwest of Boston, Gillette Stadium can be found in the quaint city of Foxborough, which is home to around 18,000 residents.

The majority of fans from outside the town usually opt to fly into Boston Logan Airport. From there, shuttles conveniently operate to transport them directly to the stadium. Alternatively, the MBTA commuter rail, which passes through Foxborough (referred to as Foxboro Station along the line), is also available for transportation.

Bus.com offers a vibrant shuttle service for fans seeking a lively ride to the game. Departing from downtown Boston, their game day shuttle will transport you to Gillette Stadium in approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, all while enjoying a mobile tailgate party. Notably, passengers are allowed to drink on the bus, and restrooms are also available for convenience.

When heading to Gillette Stadium, you have two options for driving routes from Boston: I-95 or Route 1. If you are coming from the east suburbs of Boston, you can also take I-495. Choosing Route 1 will lead you directly through Patriot Place, which serves as the primary entrance for most fans heading to the stadium.

Where to stay and things to do

There are two hotels at Gillette Stadium: The Hilton Garden Inn and Renaissance Boston Patriot Place. These accommodations typically require a reservation made well in advance and cost over $400 per night. However, if you’re looking for more affordable lodging options, you can find plenty of wallet-friendly options along Route 1 in Wrentham and Walpole.

When in Boston, consider taking a duck tour during your free day. It’s an excellent and renowned method to experience the city. Alternatively, if you prefer to discover the historical aspects of Boston, you can explore it on foot. The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking path, will guide you through numerous renowned historical locations. Simply follow the red line on the sidewalk.

Getting in and out of the stadium takes patience

Patience is an absolute necessity when parking at Gillette Stadium. The process of entering and, more significantly, leaving the stadium can be quite time-consuming. After the game, Route 1 transforms into a congested area for approximately 90 minutes, resembling a parking lot. Subsequently, it continues to move at a slow pace for another 90 minutes. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts or alternate routes to bypass this situation.

If you have some spare time, it’s worth considering exploring Patriot Place, especially if the weather is suitable. There, you can engage in postgame activities, find various bars and restaurants, and even indulge in some Patriots shopping. Additionally, there will be ample opportunities to join in on the tailgating festivities.

Parking could set you back a bit

The flat rate for general parking during regular-season games across Route 1 from the stadium is $50. For RV parking, the cost is $150, and this is available in Lot 55 for RVs and other oversized vehicles. Please note that overnight parking is strictly prohibited.

To secure a parking spot on the “stadium side” of Gillette, one must make a prior booking, costing $80. The convenience of stadium-side parking lies in the assurance of having a guaranteed spot regardless of the arrival time.

Lot 55 at Gillette Stadium is a free parking option that requires advance booking. However, it operates with a delay, as it remains closed for 90 minutes after the game. Therefore, if you choose to park in this lot, be prepared to stay for an extended period of time.

However, as fans often point out, it is common knowledge that getting anywhere soon after the game is nearly impossible, making this choice quite satisfactory if you are willing to take a 20-minute stroll to the stadium.

Typically, parking lots become accessible four hours prior to the game.

Best seats for the price

Although field level seating provides proximity to the players, it often results in numerous awkward and partially obstructed views of the game. According to the majority of Patriots fans, the optimal seats are located at a higher elevation.

The 300 level offers a great opportunity to enjoy the stadium atmosphere. Positioned in the first six rows of the 300s, there is a recessed ring right before a railing. This means you can fully immerse yourself in the game without any obstructions or interruptions from people passing by. Moreover, you’ll have an unobstructed view of the entire field. These tickets are typically priced around $300 on StubHub.

There are two drawbacks to the 300-level seats. Firstly, reaching them requires a 20-minute uphill walk along the ramps. Secondly, in unfavorable weather conditions, the windchill can be quite harsh and make you feel uncomfortable.

For approximately $400-$500, the 200-level provides an unobstructed “All-22” view of the field, ensuring no exposure. It is situated at a lower elevation, sheltered from the wind, and benefits from the third-level overhang that safeguards against rain.

Home game schedule in 2022

Date	Day	Time (EST)	Opponent
Sept. 25	Sunday	1 p.m.	Baltimore Ravens
Oct. 9	Sunday	1 p.m.	Detroit Lions
Oct. 24	Monday	8:15 p.m.	Chicago Bears
Nov. 6	Sunday	1 p.m.	Indianapolis Colts
Nov. 20	Sunday	1 p.m.	New York Jets
Dec. 1	Thursday	8:15 p.m.	Buffalo Bills
Dec. 24	Saturday	1 p.m.	Cincinnati Bengals
Jan. 1	Sunday	1 p.m.	Miami Dolphins

Tailgating at Gillette takes grit

The autumn weather in New England can be stunning, but the winters are extremely harsh. Engaging in tailgating during a winter Pats game requires determination, and once you experience it, you’ll comprehend why Patriots fans possess such unwavering confidence in their team. Enduring the frigid temperatures with piercing winds and falling snow demands true dedication. And Patriots fans unquestionably possess it.

The tailgating scene in Lots 3A and 3B is usually lively, but it is advisable to explore both lots since each one has its unique approach to tailgating.

If you want to have a great time tailgating at Patriots games, just come prepared to barter. Like many other NFL teams, Patriots fans love to exchange goods. All you need is a rolling cooler filled with beer and some delicious food to share, and you’ll fit right in. While grilling is a popular activity, it’s important to note that open flames are not allowed. However, you can expect plenty of chowder to be available. Pats fans truly embrace their famous dish and it’s a must-try at their tailgates.

If you have the opportunity, make sure to visit Patriot Place as well. Engaging in game day activities, such as promotions and games, may allow you to win some complimentary Patriots merchandise or tickets for a future game.

It is worth mentioning that the postgame is expected to offer additional tailgating chances, depending on the weather. Make the most of these opportunities while waiting for the traffic on Route 1 to clear.

A few final takeaways

• Be prepared for the nightmarish traffic conditions.
• Make sure to check the weather, as the windchill greatly affects the upper decks.
• Patriot Place stands as an independent township in its own right.
• If you criticize the Jets, you’ll be warmly welcomed by every tailgate on the premises.