Gillette Stadium opened on May 11, 2002, replacing the aging Foxboro Stadium as the home of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution. Built at a cost of $325 million and designed by HOK Sport (now Populous), the 64,628-seat venue sits in Foxborough, Massachusetts, about 22 miles southwest of downtown Boston.
Beyond its NFL and MLS tenants, Gillette Stadium has established itself as one of the most versatile major venues in the northeastern United States. It hosted four matches during the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2016 NHL Winter Classic, and is scheduled to stage seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup — operating temporarily under the tournament name ‘Boston Stadium’ per FIFA commercial rules.
Stats at a Glance
- Team(s): New England Patriots (NFL), New England Revolution (MLS)
- Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Opened: May 11, 2002
- Capacity: 64,628 (NFL)
- Construction Cost: $325 million
- Surface: FieldTurf CORE (since 2006)
- Notable Fact: Host venue for 2016 NHL Winter Classic and 2026 FIFA World Cup (7 matches)
A Venue Built for Champions
Gillette Stadium was conceived as a purpose-built, privately financed facility after efforts to secure a new stadium in downtown Boston fell through. Patriots owner Robert Kraft funded the $325 million project, and the stadium opened in time for the 2002 NFL season. Designed with a distinctive lighthouse and pedestrian bridge modeled after Boston’s Longfellow Bridge, the venue established a regional identity that set it apart from the generic multi-use bowls of the era.
Inside, the Patriots leveraged their Gillette Stadium home to build one of the NFL’s most dominant home records. The franchise posted an 81% home winning percentage through the 2000s and 86% through the 2010s — figures the league tracks as among the best in the modern NFL era — cementing the stadium’s reputation as one of the most hostile environments for opposing teams.
Upgrades and Global Events
A major renovation in 2023 added one of the largest video boards in the United States — a 22,000-square-foot display spanning the north end zone. The upgrade brought the fan experience in line with the newest generation of NFL venues while preserving the stadium’s distinctive open-air, asymmetric design.
Gillette Stadium’s event resume spans multiple sports: it hosted the 2002 MLS Cup (drawing 61,316 fans), four matches of the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2016 NHL Winter Classic. Its global profile will grow further when it serves as a FIFA World Cup 2026 venue, hosting seven matches under the temporary tournament designation ‘Boston Stadium.’
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Gillette Stadium FAQs
What teams play at Gillette Stadium?
Gillette Stadium is home to the New England Patriots (NFL), the New England Revolution (MLS), the Boston Cannons (PLL, since 2024), and beginning in 2026, Boston Legacy FC (NWSL).
How many seats does Gillette Stadium have?
Gillette Stadium has a current capacity of 64,628 for American football, reduced from the original 68,756 seats through reconfiguration work over the years.
Will Gillette Stadium host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches?
Yes. Gillette Stadium is scheduled to host seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. For the duration of the tournament it will operate under the name ‘Boston Stadium,’ as FIFA’s commercial rules prohibit corporate venue naming during the event.
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Photo: Art N. / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.