Gillette Stadium guide for World Cup 2026 in Foxborough: parking, bag policy, hotels & how to get there

Whether you’re a lifelong Patriots fan or flying in from overseas for a major soccer match, Gillette Stadium is a must-visit stop on any New England sports trip.

From fall Sundays on Route 1 to summer concert nights and global soccer showcases, it’s the centerpiece of Patriot Place and one of the region’s busiest venues.

Opened in 2002, Gillette Stadium is home to the New England Patriots and New England Revolution of Major League Soccer.

It has hosted multiple AFC Championship Games, the 2002 MLS Cup and is one of the U.S. venues selected for the FIFA World Cup 2026, making it a key destination for both local fans and international visitors.

Whether you’re driving in from Boston or Providence, or flying into Logan for a World Cup match, here’s what you need to know about Gillette Stadium.

We here at NESN have you covered with a full guide to Gillette Stadium, including key facts, bag and parking policies, transportation tips and more.

Gillette Stadium key facts

Address: 1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA 02035

Capacity: 68,628

Built: 2000–2002

Opened: May 11, 2002

Gillette Stadium sits at 1 Patriot Place in Foxborough, right off Route 1 between Boston and Providence, making it accessible for both local fans and out-of-town visitors.

Gillette Stadium seating map

Football seating map

For Patriots games and Revolution matches, Gillette uses a traditional bowl layout with lower, mezzanine and upper decks, along with club and premium seating.

If you need information on accessible seating for guests with disabilities, full details are available in the accessibility resources section on the Gillette Stadium website.

Concert seating map

For concerts and special events, the seating map changes, often adding floor seats on the field. The exact layout depends on the stage setup, but the concert map for each event will show general sightlines and section locations.

Gillette Stadium bag policy

Gillette Stadium follows a clear bag policy to speed up entry and enhance security:

Allowed bags: Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″

Small clutch bags: Allowed up to 4.5″x 6.5″x 2″

There is no bag valet service, but lockers are available outside the stadium for bags that don’t comply with the policy. These lockers are typically positioned in trucks around the venue.

For a full list of prohibited and approved bags, visit the Gillette Stadium website before your event.

Gillette Stadium parking options and cost

There are several parking options, whether you’re a season-ticket holder or visiting for the first time:

Free general parking is available in stadium-owned lots across Route 1 from Gillette.

Prepaid parking passes can be purchased in advance for stadium-side lots that put you closer to the gates and Patriot Place.

Key notes:

Lots generally open several hours before kickoff or showtime, with Patriots game lots typically opening four hours before the game.

Opening times for World Cup matches, concerts and other events are listed on the Gillette Stadium website.

Parking usually ranges from about $25 to $50 on event days, depending on the lot and proximity.

Tailgating is permitted in the general parking lots once they open, making it a big part of the local gameday experience.

Gillette Stadium transportation, rideshare and taxi options

If you’re not driving, there are several other ways to get to and from Gillette:

Rideshare and taxis: Designated drop-off and pick-up zones are available around the stadium. Taxis and rideshare pick-up are typically located in Lot 15, where vehicles are staged before and after events.

Public transportation: For select events, including major games and special matches, the MBTA Commuter Rail and Keolis offer a special event train from both Boston and Providence at a flat round-trip fare.

For international visitors coming for the World Cup, these services can be a convenient alternative to renting a car and navigating New England traffic.

Hotels near Gillette Stadium

If you want to stay close to the action, there are several hotel options within walking distance or a short drive:

Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel – located right at Patriot Place, ideal if you want to stay steps from the stadium, restaurants and shopping.

Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough Patriot Place – another on-site option with easy access to the venue and surrounding amenities.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Foxboro – a nearby option for visitors looking for suite-style accommodations.

These properties work well for both New Englanders making a weekend of it and international fans in town for multiple matches or events.

World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium (FIFA World Cup 2026)

As part of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Gillette Stadium has been selected to host multiple matches, including group-stage fixtures and a knockout-round game. The venue’s history with big events, combined with its location between Boston and Providence, makes it a natural hub for World Cup fans.

Scheduled matches at Gillette Stadium include:

Group stage matches, A Round of 32 match, A quarterfinal match

Exact pairings and teams are determined by the World Cup draw and scheduling, but fans can expect a mix of group and knockout action in Foxborough.

FAQs

Does Gillette Stadium use mobile tickets?

Yes. Gillette Stadium uses mobile tickets only for all events. Guests must present tickets on their mobile devices. Screenshots and paper tickets are not accepted.

Where do I enter Gillette Stadium?

Guests can use any general admission gate around the venue, including:

Bank of America Gate, CVS Health Gate, Ticketmaster Gate

Your ticket will indicate suggested gates and sections to streamline entry.

Can I re-enter Gillette Stadium?

No. Re-entry is not permitted. Once you leave the stadium, you will not be allowed to return, except in limited emergencies as directed by stadium staff.

Can I bring my purse into Gillette Stadium?

Only purses that meet the clear bag policy or qualify as a small clutch within the allowed dimensions are permitted.

Can I bring my baby or child to an event/game at Gillette Stadium?

Yes, but policies vary by event:

For Patriots games, every guest, including infants, must have a ticket.

For Revolution matches, children under 2 years old may be admitted without a ticket when seated on an adult’s lap.

World Cup and special event policies are determined by organizers, so visitors should confirm details through the event’s official ticketing information.

Can I bring outside food or beverages into Gillette Stadium?

No. Outside food and beverages are generally not allowed.

Guests with specific dietary needs can request an exception by emailing teamops@gillettestadium.com at least 48 hours before the event.

Can I bring my vape into Gillette Stadium?

No. Gillette Stadium is a completely non-smoking venue. Smoking, including vapes, e-cigarettes and similar devices, is prohibited both inside and in the immediate stadium footprint.

Does Gillette Stadium have WiFi?

Yes. Gillette Stadium provides free WiFi for guests throughout the venue.

Does Gillette Stadium sell alcohol?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are available at concession stands and bars around the stadium.

A full map of food and beverage locations can be found on the Gillette Stadium website.

Is Gillette Stadium a cashless stadium?

Yes. Gillette Stadium is cashless. Only credit, debit and gift cards are accepted at concession and retail locations.

Does Gillette Stadium have a sportsbook?

No. There is no sportsbook inside Gillette Stadium.

Airports near Gillette Stadium and Boston

For visitors traveling in for games or World Cup matches, the closest major airport is:

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – located on the Boston side, about 30 miles from Gillette Stadium, depending on your route.

Some visitors also choose to fly into T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Providence and travel north to Foxborough.

Things to do in and around Boston

Walk the Boston Common and Public Garden

Explore Back Bay, the South End and the Seaport

Visit Boston Harbor or take a boat tour

Ride a classic Duck Boat Tour

Catch a baseball game or stadium tour at Fenway Park

From neighborhood spots in Boston to global soccer on the pitch in Foxborough, Gillette Stadium brings together local pride and international football on one of New England’s biggest stages.