The Bungay River is a short river in southeastern Massachusetts that is a tributary of the Ten Mile River .
76-765: The Bungay River begins in Witch Pond in Foxborough, Massachusetts at an altitude of about 157 feet (48 m) above sea level. It flows south through Greenwood Lake and through North Attleboro and Attleboro . It enters the Ten Mile River in Attleboro and ultimately empties into Narragansett Bay . It is 7.2 miles (11.6 km) long. According to published judgments by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs,
152-505: A $ 1 billion plan to renovate an area of Hartford, including building a stadium. Kraft then signed an agreement to move the team to Hartford on November 18, 1998. The proposed stadium included 68,000 seats, 60 luxury boxes, and had a projected cost of $ 375 million. As before in Boston and Providence, construction of the stadium was challenged by the residents. Problems with the site were discovered, and an agreement could not be reached regarding
228-797: A 28–21 New York Jets victory. During the 2011–12 NFL playoffs, the Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos, 45–10, and the stadium hosted its third AFC Championship, where they won against the Baltimore Ravens, 23–20. However, the New York Giants ruined the Patriots' season by beating them in the Super Bowl for the second time. The following year, they again hosted the AFC Championship game, where they lost 28–13 to
304-427: A Boston Stadium after the affair. In January 1997, Kraft began talks with Providence mayor Vincent Cianci to relocate the team to Providence and build a new stadium there. The proposed 68,000-seat domed stadium would have cost $ 250 million, and would have been paid through income taxes, public bonds, surcharges on tickets, and private funds. Residents of the neighborhood of the proposed project were extremely opposed to
380-640: A Patriot, they were upset by the Tennessee Titans in the First Round of the 2019 playoffs with a loss of 20–13. Entering the 2023 season, the Patriots had an all-time playoff record of 19–4 at the stadium. As part of the UMass football program's move to Division I FBS , the Minutemen played all of their home games at Gillette Stadium for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The stadium is 95 miles away from
456-431: A bridge modeled on Boston's Longfellow Bridge . The lighthouse and bridge are now featured on the stadium's logo. For the first eight years of its existence, the stadium used a video display, with a smaller LED scoreboard just beneath it, at each end of the field. The south side also had a large LED scoreboard in addition to the smaller one. In 2010, the stadium installed two new HD Daktronics video displays to replace
532-485: A full "Megaplex" at the crosstown site, with then-new Boston Mayor Thomas Menino favoring construction of a new, stand-alone convention center in South Boston. Ultimately, the residents of neither of these neighborhoods wanted a stadium, and as a result, Menino backed out, fearing that it would affect his chance at re-election. The Fenway Park plan was cancelled after many "Save Fenway Park!" groups popped up to save
608-731: A neutral site for the Army–Navy Game . Navy will also play their rivalry game with Notre Dame in Foxborough in 2026. Gillette Stadium also hosted the eighth edition of the NHL Winter Classic , between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens , on January 1, 2016. Memorable Major League Soccer playoff victories include wins over the Chicago Fire in the 2005 and 2007 Eastern Conference Final, sending
684-460: A rainstorm contributed to the deterioration of the grass surface in a Patriots game against the Jets, team management decided to replace the natural grass surface with a synthetic surface, FieldTurf . Normally, NFL rules insist that such work could only be done during the off-season; however, the grass field was in such poor condition, the league agreed to waive the rule. The entire job was done during
760-598: A regular season match between the Revolution and Inter Miami CF , who had signed Lionel Messi the year prior; 65,612 would watch the Revolution fall 1–4. Gillette Stadium will host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup : five group stage, one Round of 32, and one quarterfinal. It is one of eleven US venues selected to host matches during the tournament. During the event, the stadium will be temporarily renamed to "Boston Stadium" in accordance with FIFA's policy on corporate sponsored names. Gillette Stadium hosted
836-514: A semicircle of six flowering trees, a commemorative plaque, a mural, and tribute stones with the names of the victims. On December 10, 2021, a $ 225 million renovation project was announced. Construction began in January 2022 and was completed in September 2023. The renovations included a new 22,000-square-foot outdoor video board installed at the north end, the largest video board of its kind in
SECTION 10
#1732788033751912-616: A string orchestra, symphony orchestra, chorus, marching band, concert band, symphonic winds, winds ensemble and jazz band/choir. Many of these groups regularly place in competitions, but the Jazz Ensemble has been recognized in several Essentially Ellington competitions. The top 15 jazz bands in the country send in recordings of themselves for judging. Foxborough has placed in the top 15 for several years. 34. Inman-kimball hat factory. Foxboro history. Sun chronicle ’then and now’ May 5, 2018 Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium
988-462: A two-week road trip, with three shifts working around the clock. The Patriots' first game on the surface was a victory over the previously 9–1 Chicago Bears on November 26. Brady and his teammates commended the much-improved surface. At the conclusion of the 2007 season, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had a career record of 31–3 on artificial turf. The team lost a preseason matchup in August 2007 to
1064-466: A wide variety of sports including golf, track and field, football, soccer, cross country, volleyball, swim, basketball, wrestling, hockey, indoor track, cheerleading, lacrosse, baseball, tennis, and softball. The mascot of the high school is the Warriors, whose colors are navy blue and gold. Prior to October of 2023, the school's mascot logo was depicted as a side profile of a Native American. Throughout
1140-475: Is January, with an average high temperature of 36 °F and an average low temperature of 18 °F. Periods exceeding 90 °F in summer and below 10 °F in winter are not uncommon but rarely extended, with about 14 days per year seeing the former extreme. Because of the town's relatively short distance from the Atlantic Ocean, temperatures tend to remain warmer than locations further inland. Like
1216-683: Is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts , United States. The stadium is 22 miles (35 km) southwest of downtown Boston, Massachusetts and 18 miles (29 km) northeast of Providence, Rhode Island . It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for both the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL) and the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (MLS). It opened in 2002, replacing
1292-507: Is about 22 miles (35 km) southwest of Boston . The population was 18,618 at the 2020 census . "Foxborough" is the official spelling of the town name per local government, but the abbreviated spelling " Foxboro " is common and is used by the United States Postal Service . Foxborough is best known as the site of Gillette Stadium , home of the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL) and
1368-505: Is one of only seven head coaches in Massachusetts history to amass 300 wins in their career. During the 1987 and 1988 seasons, the Warriors won back-to-back Division 3 Super Bowls and went undefeated in 1988. This team featured five players who went on to play Division 1 college football (Chris Cady, Eric Matckie, Tom Nalen , Dan Sullivan, and Rob Turenne). The cheerleading team has also earned recognition, making it to nationals for
1444-515: Is run in-house and is led by the Patriots executive director of foods and beverage David Wheeler. From January 18, 2021, to June 14, 2021, Gillette Stadium was used as a mass distribution site for the COVID-19 vaccine , with a total of 610,283 shots being administered. Marking the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks , a memorial garden was installed outside Gillette Stadium. It has
1520-423: Is the predominant climate for Massachusetts and New England . Summers are typically warm to hot, rainy, and humid, while winters are cold, windy, and snowy. Spring and fall are usually mild, but conditions are widely varied, depending on wind direction and jet stream positioning. The warmest month is July, with an average high temperature of 83 °F and an average low temperature of 62 °F. The coldest month
1596-608: The 1994 FIFA World Cup at Foxborough Stadium and will do so again during the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Gillette Stadium . According to the United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 20.9 sq mi (54.1 km ), of which 20.1 sq mi (52.0 km ) is land and 0.81 sq mi (2.1 km ) (3.88%) is water. Foxborough is located at 42°3′54″N 71°14′52″W / 42.06500°N 71.24778°W / 42.06500; -71.24778 (42.065248, –71.247856). For
SECTION 20
#17327880337511672-485: The 2020 season , but the COVID-19 pandemic put the season on pause and the league scrapped their 2020 schedule. On June 2, 2019, Gillette will host a handful of games for the Women's Professional Lacrosse League to start their 2019 season . The AMA Supercross Championship has been racing at Gillette Stadium since 2016. Monster Jam has been coming to the stadium since 2014. On November 14, 2006, two days after
1748-557: The Franklin/Foxboro Line , at Foxboro station . The Patriots have sold out every home game since moving to the stadium—preseason, regular season, and playoffs. This streak dates back to the 1994 season at Foxboro Stadium; by September 2016 , it had reached 231 games. The stadium is owned and operated by Kraft Sports Group , a subsidiary of the Kraft Group, the company through which businessman Robert Kraft owns
1824-727: The Governor of Connecticut , proposed to the Connecticut General Assembly that a new stadium should be built in Hartford to attract the Patriots to move there, stating that a stadium had "potentially great benefit" if it were built. The bill passed in the State Assembly on September 27, 1993. Back in Massachusetts , there was a proposal to build a "Megaplex" in Boston, which would be the site of
1900-632: The NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2017, and 2018 and was the home of the Boston Cannons for the 2015 season . Source: On February 15, 2019, the Premier Lacrosse League announced that Boston would be the first city on the schedule for the 2019 season . It was also announced that Gillette Stadium would be the venue to host the league on June 1 and 2. The PLL was planning on returning to Gillette for
1976-652: The New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (MLS). Settled in 1704 and incorporated in 1778, the town of Foxborough was named for Charles James Fox , a Whig member of Parliament and a staunch supporter of the Colonies in the years leading up to the American Revolution . The town was once home to the world's largest straw hat factory, erected in 1886. The building became the Bay State Boot and Shoe Company which closed in 1891. In 1894,
2052-558: The census of 2000, there were 16,246 people, 6,141 households, and 4,396 families residing in the town. The population density was 809.1 inhabitants per square mile (312.4/km ). There were 6,299 housing units at an average density of 313.7 units per square mile (121.1 units/km ). The racial makeup of the town was 97.09% White , 0.82% Black or African American , 0.11% Native American , 1.22% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 0.20% from other races , and 0.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.06% of
2128-659: The 2022-2023 school year, petitions led by students of whether to keep or discard the logo due to concerns about cultural appropriation reached the school board. In October of 2023, the school board voted to remove the Native American logo but voted unanimously to keep the name "Warriors". Foxborough's rival is neighboring Mansfield High School . The football team has won the Hockomock League title numerous times, and has won five state championships (1987, 1988, 1991, 2006, 2023). Longtime head coach Jack Martinelli
2204-613: The Baltimore Ravens in the final game for long-term Patriots radio announcer Gil Santos . During the Divisional Round of the 2014–15 NFL playoffs , the Patriots avenged their 2012 defeat by the Baltimore Ravens by beating them 35–31. The following week, they defeated the Indianapolis Colts 45–7 in the 2014 AFC Championship. The stadium hosted its sixth AFC Championship game during the 2016 playoffs, as
2280-465: The Board of Selectmen's purview is handled by an appointed Town Manager. The Town Hall is located at 40 South Street, Foxborough, MA 02035. Board of Selectmen (term ends) Foxborough has a public school system. The Foxborough Public Schools (FPS) district currently has an enrollment of over 3,000 children in grades from preschool to grade 12. Foxborough public schools: Foxborough High School offers
2356-468: The CDP. The population density was 730.9 people/km (1,893 people/sq mi). There were 2,576 housing units at an average density of 341.8 units/km (885 units/sq mi). The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.57% White , 1.42% Black or African American , 0.13% Native American , 1.07% Asian , 0.29% from other races , and 0.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.60% of
Bungay River - Misplaced Pages Continue
2432-498: The Hartford proposal fell through, Robert Kraft paid for 100% of the construction costs, a rare instance of an NFL owner privately financing the construction of a stadium. On April 18, 2000, the team revealed plans for the new stadium in Foxborough. It was announced as a 68,000-seat stadium at a cost of $ 325 million, with the entire cost privately funded. Boston is thus the only city in professional sports in which all facilities are privately owned and operated. The Kraft Group (owner of
2508-555: The MLS's Portland Timbers, where its installation was recently completed. When the field is configured for American football, the Patriots have their "Flying Elvis" logo (or " Pat Patriot " if they are wearing throwback uniforms) painted on the field at dead center of the 50-yard line. Off to both sides along the 50-yard line, the Gillette Stadium logo is also painted on the field. This is a gray-and-blue stylized representation of
2584-743: The NFL team the Patriots and the MLS team the Revolution) owns Gillette Stadium, the Red Sox own Fenway Park, and TD Garden is owned by Delaware North (the owner of the Bruins) (the Celtics rent the TD Garden from Delaware North). Concurrently announced was a new road to access the stadium from U.S. Route 1 , and an additional 3,000 parking spaces to accommodate the increased number of fans. The stadium
2660-676: The Patriots and Revolution. The stadium is set to host several matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup . Due to FIFA rules regarding stadium sponsorships, Gillette will be known as Boston Stadium for the tournament, in reference to the Greater Boston area the stadium sits on. From 1971 to 2001 , the Patriots played all of their home games at Foxboro Stadium. The stadium was privately funded on an extremely small budget and featured few amenities. Its aluminum benches would freeze over during cold-weather games and it had an unorganized dirt parking lot. Foxboro Stadium did not bring in
2736-411: The Patriots announced that their partnership, which includes naming rights to the stadium, would extend through the 2031 season. Additionally, uBid (a wholly owned subsidiary of CMGI until 2003) continued to sponsor one of the main entrance gates to the stadium. Gillette Stadium is served by special MBTA Commuter Rail service from Boston and Providence during events, plus regular weekday service via
2812-637: The Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 36–17. The seventh AFC Championship hosted at Gillette Stadium came the next year, when the Patriots knocked off the Jacksonville Jaguars by a score of 24–20. In the 2018 season, Gillette Stadium hosted a Divisional Round game, as the Patriots knocked off the Los Angeles Chargers by a score of 41–28 on the way to winning Super Bowl LIII . In Tom Brady 's final game as
2888-464: The Patriots unveiled their Super Bowl XXXVI championship banner before a Monday Night Football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers . The stadium was originally known as CMGI Field before the naming rights were bought by Gillette after the "dot-com" bust . Although Gillette was acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2005, the stadium retains the Gillette name. In September 2010, Gillette and
2964-607: The Revs to the MLS Cup. Additionally, the venue hosted MLS Cup 2002 , four games of the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup , and some Copa America Centenario matches in 2016. The crowd of 61,316 drawn to the 2002 MLS Cup Final was the largest stand-alone MLS post-season crowd on record until the 2018 MLS Cup in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium . The stadium's soccer attendance record would once again be broken on April 27, 2024 during
3040-467: The Tennessee Titans on the new FieldTurf but otherwise won its first eleven regular-season and playoff games on the surface covering the period of November 2006 until September 2008, when the Patriots lost to the Miami Dolphins . In February 2010, the surface was pulled and upgraded to FieldTurf "Duraspine Pro", which was expected to meet FIFA standards that the previous turf did not, preventing
3116-624: The UMass campus in Amherst —the longest trip of any FBS member. The Minutemen's on-campus stadium, Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium , was not suitable for FBS football in its previous configuration. Its small size (17,000 seats) would have made it prohibitively difficult to meet FBS average attendance requirements, and its press box and replay facilities were well below Mid-American Conference standards. Additionally, several nonconference teams would not even consider playing games in Amherst. McGuirk Stadium
Bungay River - Misplaced Pages Continue
3192-644: The United States. A new lighthouse, which reaches 218 feet at the top, provides 360-degree views of the stadium, Patriot Place, Foxborough, and beyond. 75,000 square feet of hospitality and function spaces were constructed to connect the East and West Putnam Clubs, the Dell Technology Suite Levels, and the upper concourse. The construction of these new spaces connected all levels 360 degrees. A new plaza and fan entrance were also built on
3268-531: The adjacent Foxboro Stadium . It also served as the home venue for the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Minutemen football team in 2012 and 2013 , while on-campus Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium underwent renovations; it continued to serve as a part-time home venue for higher attendance UMass games through 2018 . Gillette Stadium's seating capacity is 64,628, including 5,876 club seats and 82 luxury suites . The town of Foxborough approved plans for
3344-404: The average family size was 2.95. In the CDP, 21.7% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.3% was from 18 to 24, 35.0% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.6 males. The median income for a household in the CDP was $ 50,431, and
3420-406: The average family size was 3.15. In the town, 26.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.0% was from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.2 males. The median income for a household in the town was $ 64,323, and
3496-442: The bridge and tower at the north entrance of the stadium. In 2006, the Patriots and Kraft announced plans to build a "super regional lifestyle and entertainment center" in the area around Gillette Stadium named Patriot Place. The cost of the project was $ 350 million, more than the cost to build Gillette Stadium itself; Kraft had purchased much of the surrounding land, about 700 acres (280 ha), when he bought Foxboro Stadium in
3572-694: The building became the Inman and Kimball hat factory. It burned to the ground during a spectacular mid-day fire in 1936. A park now stands on the site. Foxborough was composed of small neighborhood communities until the early 1900s. These included Foxvale/Paineburgh, which remained semi-independent until the early twentieth century; Quaker Hill in South Foxborough; and Lakeview/Donkeyville in West Foxborough. Schaefer Stadium (later known as Sullivan Stadium, then Foxboro Stadium) opened in 1971 as
3648-445: The details of the stadium. The entire plan eventually fell through, enraging then Connecticut governor John G. Rowland , who lobbied hard for the stadium and spent weeks deliberating with Robert Kraft. Rowland announced at a press conference that he was officially "a New York Jets fan, now and probably forever". In 1999, the team officially announced that it would remain in Foxborough, which led to Gillette Stadium's construction. After
3724-438: The entire previous setup at both ends. At the time of their construction, the larger screen, at 41.5 feet tall and 164 feet wide (12.6 m x 50.0 m), was the second-largest video monitor in any NFL stadium; only AT&T Stadium had a larger one. Gillette Stadium ranks first among all NFL venues in stadium food safety with 0% critical violations. The Gillette Stadium food service, instead of being outsourced like most NFL teams,
3800-527: The first seven playoff games held at the stadium between the 2003 and 2007 seasons, including the 2007 AFC Championship Game , where they beat the San Diego Chargers to improve to 18–0 and advance to Super Bowl XLII . On January 10, 2010, the Baltimore Ravens beat the Patriots 33–14, giving the Patriots their first home loss in the playoffs in Gillette Stadium. The Patriots suffered their second consecutive home playoff loss on January 16, 2011, in
3876-486: The first time in 2004 and again in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. The golf team has produced many all-scholastic players and state champions, as has the wrestling team. The boys' indoor track team were the Hockomock Champions in the 2006/2007 season. The field hockey team have been the Hockomock Champions several times in recent years. Foxborough High School is also known for its music program, which includes
SECTION 50
#17327880337513952-494: The historic ballpark. Kraft then began a plan to build a new stadium in South Boston. In that plan, Kraft was to pay for the stadium himself, hoping to win the support of Weld and Menino. He began to sketch designs, but the project was leaked to the press in December 1996. The residents of South Boston objected to a stadium being built in that location, causing Menino and Weld to become angry at Kraft. Kraft abandoned all plans for
4028-516: The home of the New England Patriots , after the football team spent its first eleven seasons playing at various stadiums in Boston . The family of Billy Sullivan owned both the Patriots and the stadium until they sold the team in 1988. The stadium, however, lapsed into bankruptcy and was then bought by paper magnate Robert Kraft . With Kraft in control of Foxboro Stadium, he prevented the Patriots from relocating to St. Louis in 1994 by refusing to let
4104-522: The late 1980s. The first phase of the project opened in fall of 2007, and featured the first Bass Pro Shops in New England, as well as Circuit City (now closed), Bed Bath & Beyond , Five Guys Burgers, Christmas Tree Shops , and Staples . In December 2007, the Patriots and CBS announced plans to build a themed restaurant and nightclub, named "CBS Scene", at the site, which would also include studios for CBS-owned WBZ-TV . The restaurant
4180-476: The median income for a family was $ 58,924. Males had a median income of $ 42,030 versus $ 35,370 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $ 31,245. About 4.1% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those age 65 or over. Foxborough is run by a five-member board of selectmen and elected town officials like the town moderator and town clerk. Day-to-day operations involving items under
4256-444: The median income for a family was $ 78,811. Based on data from the 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, these figures have risen to $ 92,370 as the median income for a household in the town and $ 108,209 as the median income for a family. Males had a median income of $ 51,901 versus $ 35,748 for females. The per capita income for the town was $ 32,294, but this figure has risen to $ 42,236. About 2.3% of families and 3.1% of
4332-545: The population were below the poverty line , including 2.0% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over. The built-up central business district is designated by the United States Census Bureau as the Foxborough Census Designated Place for record keeping purposes (this is common among many larger population New England towns ). As of the census of 2000, there were 5,509 people, 2,486 households, and 1,372 families residing in
4408-408: The population. There were 2,486 households, out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.9% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.8% were non-families. Of all households 37.8% were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and
4484-407: The population. There were 6,141 households, out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.9% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.4% were non-families. Of all households 23.4% were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and
4560-472: The profits needed to keep an NFL team in New England; at just over 60,000 seats, it was one of the NFL's smallest stadiums. In 1984, team executive Chuck Sullivan funded the Victory Tour of The Jacksons , in an attempt to earn more profit for the team. Tickets sales failed, however, and the team's debt increased even further – to a final total of US$ 126 million. After two unsuccessful owners bought
4636-399: The project because the surrounding area would have needed massive infrastructure improvements. The proposal fell through after a few weeks. During a news conference in September 1998, the team revealed plans to build a new stadium in Foxborough, keeping the team in Massachusetts. It was to be funded by the state as well as Kraft himself. This plan brought more competition from Connecticut, as
SECTION 60
#17327880337514712-498: The purposes of the United States Census Bureau , the built-up central area of Foxborough known as the Foxborough Census Designated Place (CDP) has a total area of 7.6 km (2.9 sq mi), of which 7.5 km (2.9 sq mi) is land and 0.1 km (0.039 sq mi) (1.69%) is water. Foxborough's climate is humid continental ( Köppen : Dfa) with four distinct seasons, which
4788-478: The rest of the northeastern seaboard, precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the entire year, with the winter months receiving slightly more precipitation than the summer months. Powerful storm systems known as Nor'easters can produce heavy amounts of rain and snow at any time of the year, but these storms most often strike during the winter months, causing significant snowfall amounts and blizzard conditions. Thunderstorms occur somewhat frequently in
4864-518: The river flows through the best red maple swamp in Massachusetts and provides some of the best canoeing across the state. It and surrounding wetlands are under study as wildlife preservation areas. The West Branch and Black Brook are the only named tributaries, though there are many unnamed streams that also feed it. Bungay Lake ( Greenwood Lake on federal maps) is a 110-acre (0.45 km) private lake in North Attleboro and Mansfield. It
4940-561: The stadium's construction on December 6, 1999, and work on the stadium began on March 24, 2000. The first official event at the stadium was an MLS soccer game on May 11, 2002, where the New England Revolution defeated Dallas Burn , 2–0. Jeremiah Freed was the opening band at the WBCN River Rave on June 9, making them the first band to play at the stadium. Grand opening ceremonies were held on September 9, when
5016-517: The stadium's north end. The venue has hosted the NFL's nationally–televised primetime season-opening games in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017, and 2019 (when the Patriots unveiled their championship banners from Super Bowls XXXVI , XXXVIII , XXXIX , XLIX , LI , and LIII .) The first ever NFL game at the stadium was held on September 9, 2002, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a 30–14 Patriots victory. The stadium's first playoff game
5092-593: The stadium, as well as a new Fenway Park (the home park of the Boston Red Sox ) and a convention center . The proposed sites for this hybrid convention center-stadium were along Summer Street in South Boston or at the so-called Crosstown site along Melnea Cass Boulevard in Roxbury , adjacent to Boston's South End . The administration of Massachusetts Governor William Weld pushed for construction of
5168-423: The summer, occasionally bringing heavy downpours, damaging winds, and hail . Tornado activity is relatively low in the area, although there have been a fair share of tornado warnings issued over the years. Due to its location along the United States eastern seaboard, Foxborough is somewhat vulnerable to Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms that threaten the region from late summer into early autumn. As of
5244-428: The team and stadium, it was clear that a new stadium had to be built for the team to stay in New England. This is when other cities in the New England area, including Boston (which was previously home to the Patriots), Hartford , and Providence became interested in building new stadiums to lure the Patriots away from Foxborough. The first major stadium proposal from another city came in September 1993. Lowell Weicker ,
5320-495: The team break their lease, then bought the Patriots outright. Kraft then founded the New England Revolution , one of the charter clubs of Major League Soccer , in 1996. Gillette Stadium opened in 2002 as a replacement for Foxboro Stadium. The Patriot Place shopping plaza, built on land surrounding the stadium bought by Kraft, completed construction in 2009. The plaza includes a variety of restaurants, clothing stores, and other retailers. Foxborough hosted multiple matches during
5396-403: The team from having to place sod on top of their turf to host international soccer matches. The surface was upgraded again in April 2014 to FieldTurf "Revolution" with "VersaTile" drainage system. The FieldTurf Revolution product is currently used at many venues across North America, including Lumen Field (home to the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and MLS's Seattle Sounders) and Providence Park, home of
5472-462: Was designed by HOK Sport (now Populous ). Kraft wanted it modeled on M&T Bank Stadium which had opened in Baltimore in 1998. Kraft insisted on it having a "front door" with a Disneyland -like entrance. Populous went through 200 designs before coming up with one that Kraft liked. The entrance includes a lighthouse (which was originally designed to shoot a light 2 miles (3.2 km) high) and
5548-623: Was first formed by a dam on the Bungay River in the 18th century near its confluence with the West Branch. It is classified as class A water. 41°55′41.54″N 71°17′16.62″W / 41.9282056°N 71.2879500°W / 41.9282056; -71.2879500 Foxborough, Massachusetts Foxborough is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts , United States. Located in the Greater Boston metropolitan area , it
5624-561: Was held the next year following the 2003 regular season. Playing in the Divisional Round against the Tennessee Titans , the Patriots hosted the coldest game (4 °F (2 °C), −12 °F (−7 °C) wind chill) in New England Patriots history. The Patriots won 17–14. The stadium also played host to the 2003 AFC Championship Game , in which the Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 24–14. The Patriots won
5700-632: Was part of the second phase of the project, which included an open mall, a health center, a Cinema de Lux movie theater, a four-star Renaissance hotel, and "The Hall at Patriot Place". Attached to Gillette Stadium, the Hall includes a two-level interactive museum honoring the Patriots accomplishments and Super Bowl championships, plus the Patriots Pro Shop. The first restaurants and stores in phase two began opening in July 2008, and were followed by
5776-401: Was renovated to FBS standards for the 2014 season, but the Minutemen's current deal with the Kraft Group calls for the Minutemen to play four of their home games in Foxborough from 2014 to 2016 in exchange for keeping part of the revenue from ticket sales. Moving forward, Gillette continued to host UMass football for games of anticipated larger attendance. In 2023, Gillette Stadium was used as
#750249