SHADE GUIDE

Gillette Stadium

New England PatriotsMLB
Foxborough/Patriot Place,
65,878 seats
0° orientation
Open Air
Built 2002
Gillette Stadium stadium information: Home of the New England Patriots in MLB. Located in Foxborough/Patriot Place, with a capacity of 65,878 seats. The stadium has open air and faces 0 degrees. Built in 2002.

Overview

Gillette Stadium, located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, is known for its distinctive lighthouse and bridge architecture. Home to the Patriots dynasty, the stadium features modern amenities while maintaining New England character and challenging weather conditions.

Stadium Highlights

  • Iconic lighthouse structure at north end
  • Home to Patriots dynasty with multiple Super Bowl celebrations
  • Patriot Place entertainment complex adjacent
  • Modern facility with traditional New England design elements

Unique Features

  • 218-foot lighthouse replica
  • Revolutionary War-inspired design elements
  • Natural grass field in harsh climate
  • Integrated entertainment district

Shade & Sun Protection Guide

Best Shaded Sections by Time

Morning Games

  • West sideline upper deck
  • Sections 315-330
  • Club level west

Afternoon Games

  • East sideline gets shade
  • Sections 200-220
  • Lower east sideline

Evening Games

  • Most areas shaded after 5 PM
  • Upper deck provides coverage
  • All club areas

Shade Tips

  • Stadium runs roughly north-south
  • Upper deck overhangs provide some protection
  • Late season sun is low - limited shade benefit
  • Wind and cold more concerning than sun

Monthly Weather Patterns

September

62°F 65% 20% rain

Pleasant fall weather

East side for afternoon games

October

51°F 65% 25% rain

Crisp and cool

Layer up, sun manageable

November

40°F 70% 30% rain

Cold with possible snow

Weather protection over shade

December

30°F 65% 35% rain

Harsh winter conditions

Bundle up regardless of location

January

25°F 60% 30% rain

Brutally cold

Survival gear required

Seating Guide

Premium Seating Options

Club Levels

Club Level

Midfield club level

  • Climate control
  • Premium concessions
  • Wider seats
Optum Club

Lower club level

  • All-inclusive dining
  • Premium bar
  • VIP entrance

Seating Tips

Club Level

Essential for winter games - heated concourse

experience

Lower bowl midfield

Best views but coldest in winter

experience

Upper deck 320-325

Great value with decent protection

value

End zones

Budget option, still great atmosphere

value

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Upper deck corners 300-315
  • End zone upper 330-344
  • Some lower end zones

Food & Drink

Signature Items

  • New England Clam Chowder
  • Lobster Roll
  • Fenway Frank
  • Boston Cream Pie

Local Favorites

  • Dunkin' Donuts coffee
  • Sam Adams beer
  • Local seafood
  • Boston baked beans

Beer & Beverages

  • Sam Adams
  • Budweiser
  • Miller
  • Local craft options

Local breweries: Sam Adams, Harpoon, Night Shift

Getting There

Address

1 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035

Parking Options

Premium Lots P1-P7

Distance: AdjacentPrice: $40-60

Closest but expensive

General Lots

Distance: 5-10 min walkPrice: $25-40

Good value option

Overflow Lots

Distance: 10-15 min walkPrice: $20

Budget option with shuttle

Alternative Transportation

Public Transit

  • Limited shuttle from Boston

Ride Share: Available with designated areas

Game Day Tips

Dress for Weather

New England weather can be harsh

Arrive Early

Traffic and parking fill up quickly

Visit Hall of Fame

Patriots history museum on-site

Try Clam Chowder

New England specialty perfect for cold days

Stay for Celebration

Post-game celebrations are special

Typical Game Day Schedule

  • Gates Open: 2 hours before kickoff
  • First Pitch: 1:00 PM most Sundays, 4:25 PM late games, 8:20 PM prime time

Neighborhood: Foxborough/Patriot Place

Entertainment district built around stadium

Before the Game

  • Patriot Place restaurants
  • CBS Scene Bar
  • Local chain options

After the Game

  • Patriot Place nightlife
  • Legacy Place
  • Route 1 establishments

Insider Tips

Pro Tips

  • Respect the dynasty history
  • Dress warmly for cold weather games
  • Explore Patriot Place before/after
  • Appreciate the football excellence

Best Value

    Hidden Gems

      Things to Avoid

        Stadium History

        Timeline

        2002Stadium opens replacing Foxboro Stadium
        2003First Super Bowl victory celebration
        2014Patriots dynasty peak years
        2019Final Brady/Belichick championship

        Stadium Traditions

        Flying Elvis

        Team logo and fan symbol

        We Are All Patriots

        Fan unity chant

        End Zone Militia

        Musket-firing celebration