Getting to Gillette Stadium early enough before a New England Patriots game is crucial to having the best game day experience possible. With thousands of fans descending on Foxborough at the same time, traffic and lines can get very congested. Arriving early allows you time to navigate travel, park, and get into the stadium without feeling rushed. So how early should you plan to arrive? Here are some tips:
At Least 2-3 Hours Before Kickoff
To ensure you have plenty of time to park, walk to the stadium, go through security screening, and get to your seat, aim to arrive at Gillette Stadium at least 2-3 hours before kickoff. This gives you a nice cushion in case of heavier than expected traffic or longer security lines. Having this extra time also allows you to soak in the pre-game atmosphere, explore the Patriot Place shops and restaurants, or even catch some of the players warming up on the field.
Earlier If You Want to Tailgate
Tailgating is a popular pre-game tradition for Patriots fans. To have time to tailgate in one of the many parking lots around Gillette Stadium, you’ll want to arrive even earlier – likely 4 hours or more before game time. This will ensure you have time to claim your tailgating spot, set up your food/drinks, socialize, play some lawn games, and still make it through stadium security in time for kickoff. Keep in mind tailgating does require purchasing a parking pass in advance.
Account for Traffic and Drive Time
When figuring out what time to leave for the stadium, be sure to account for traffic and your driving time. Traffic getting in and out of Foxborough is notoriously congested on game days. The area around the stadium essentially becomes a giant parking lot. The worst congestion is generally within 1-2 miles of the stadium itself. If you’ll be driving in from Boston or Providence, give yourself plenty of extra drive time both ways.
Use Public Transportation to Avoid Traffic
Gillette Stadium does offer some public transportation options on game days which can help you avoid dealing with traffic:
- MBTA Commuter Rail – Trains run from South Station and Providence to the Foxboro Station which is 1.5 miles from stadium. Round trip fare is $20.
- Shuttles – Game day shuttles are available from Riverside Station in Newton, Alewife Station in Cambridge, and Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough. Book in advance. Fares around $35 roundtrip.
- Bus – Direct bus service available from Boston (behind Boston Common), Providence, and TF Green airport. Book tickets in advance. Fares around $40+ roundtrip.
If using public transportation, be sure to account for the additional transit time in your arrival plans. You’ll still want to arrive at your pickup/station at least 2-3 hours before game time.
Plan for Screening Lines
All fans entering Gillette Stadium have to pass through security screening checkpoints. This includes walking through metal detectors and bag checks. The lines move pretty efficiently, but on big game days the wait can still be 15-30 minutes. Giving yourself an extra time cushion ensures you won’t miss kickoff stuck in a screening line.
How Early Should You Arrive For Specific Games?
For regular season Sunday afternoon games, arriving 2-3 hours before kickoff is usually sufficient. But if you want the best stress-free experience, consider the 4 hour tailgating timeline. For primetime/night games, arrive on the earlier side since the crowds are often bigger. And for special event games like the Patriots season opener or playoffs, add even more of a buffer as the stadium will be packed.
Weeknight Games
Weeknight games (Thurs/Mon) tend to have earlier start times and smaller crowds. Getting to the stadium 2 hours before kickoff is usually plenty for weeknights. Traffic and lines will be lighter, so you can afford to have a smaller time cushion.
Cold Weather Games
Late season games in November and December can often be quite cold in Foxborough. If you’re attending a cold weather game, get to the stadium earlier to avoid standing in long lines outside. You’ll want to be in your seat with warmth as early as possible.
Conclusion
Arriving at Gillette Stadium between 2-4 hours before kickoff is ideal for regular season Sunday games. This provides enough time to park, tailgate if desired, go through security, get food, and be seated for kickoff without feeling time crunched. Add extra buffer for primetime/night games, cold weather games, or critical matchups like the playoffs where stadium traffic and crowds will be heavier. Planning your arrival timeline smartly ahead of time ensures a smooth, stress-free experience getting into Patriots games.
| Game Type | Recommended Arrival Time |
|---|---|
| Regular Sunday Afternoon Game | 2-3 hours before kickoff |
| If Tailgating | 4+ hours before kickoff |
| Primetime/Night Game | 3-4 hours before kickoff |
| Season Opener/Playoffs | 4+ hours before kickoff |
| Weeknight (Thurs/Mon) Game | 2 hours before kickoff |
| Cold Weather Late Season Game | 3-4 hours before kickoff |
Some additional tips for making the most of your time at Gillette Stadium:
- Check the forecast and dress appropriately for the weather. Layers and waterproof gear are key for cold/rainy games.
- Bring essentials like your game ticket, small bag for screening, hat/gloves, sunscreen, binoculars, cash for food/drinks/merch.
- Charge your phone in advance and pack an external charger in case your phone battery runs low.
- Wear comfortable closed toe shoes as you’ll be on your feet a lot navigating crowds.
- Hydrate the day before and morning of the game.
- Apply sunscreen if afternoon game and sitting on sunny side of stadium.
- Eat a hearty meal a few hours before arrival so you aren’t famished.
- Print out or save your parking pass, ticket info, and stadium map on your phone.
- Leave bags and prohibited items at home to speed up stadium screening.
Getting to the game early removes so much stress and uncertainty from the experience. You can arrive at Gillette Stadium ready to cheer on the Patriots knowing you’ve given yourself plenty of time to park, get through security, find your seats, and settle in comfortably before kickoff. Have fun, stay warm and dry, and GO PATS!
