The rivalry between the Patriots and Jets is comparable to the fierce Red Sox-Yankees matchup in baseball. The two teams have been playing twice a year since the start of the American Football League, and as a result of the two cities, strong animosity towards each other have developed a strong rivalry over the years. The rivalry encompasses players, coaches, and fans making it not only one of the fiercest in the AFC East, but also the NFL.
The Patriots and Bills have been squaring off on the gridiron since the AFL’s inception in 1960 making it one of the longest-running rivalries in the AFC. Up until recently the rivalry between these two northeastern foes was among the closets in the NFL, however, with the arrival of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, the Pats have dominated recent meetings taking a 69-42-1 lead in the all-time series. If you’re a Pats fan looking to see your team take down a rival than there is no better game to attend than when the Buffalo Bills are in town.
These two AFC East rivals have been going at it since the Dolphins joined the AFL in 1966. Recently the Patriots have gotten the better of everyone in the AFC East, and the Dolphins are no exception having won every AFC East title since 2003 with the lone exception of 2008, which was won by the Dolphins. Come prepared for a hard fought contest whenever the Dolphins are in town, as the Fins don’t like to go down easy.
The Pats-Colts rivalry is considered one of the most heated in the modern football era. The two teams have combined for five Super Bowl victories and eight AFC Championships since 2001. Those numbers speak to how to dominate these two organizations have been over the past two decades, which is what truly fueled the fire between these two rivals. You can’t go wrong when it comes to this match up if you have the opportunity to enjoy a Pats-Colts game you will not be disappointed.
Patriots Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
The first thing you need to know about tailgating before a Pats game is to get there early. Route 1 lines up with cars about an hour before the parking lots open because fans want to reserve spots in specific tailgate lots. If you aren’t there at opening then you can kiss your tailgate spot goodbye. Arriving early will also allow you to experience tailgating before the game to its max, so come early and enjoy all the sights and sounds tailgating at a Pats game has to offer.
Gillette’s suburban location in Foxboro, Massachusetts creates a tailgating haven where an ocean of tailgates fills the parking lots surrounding the stadium. All you can see on your way into the lots is miles and miles of tailgates giving you the sense that you’re somewhere special.
Since the Patriots are New England’s team, after the Red Sox, of course, you’ll be treated to plenty of delicious seafood based cuisine at the tailgates here. Clam chowder is without a doubt one of the most unique foods and you’ll find an abundance of in Foxborough. The chowder here is among the best you’ll ever find, so make sure to enjoy this creamy delicacy as no trip to New England is complete without it.
If you’re not into traditional tailgating, Patriot Place is perfect for you. The massive retail, dining, and entertainment complex located right outside of Gillette Stadium offers more than enough for fans to do on game days. No matter who you are or what your taste you’ll find something for you inside Patriots Place, which is home to upscale steakhouses, national fast food chains, and bars. The incredible variety makes Patriot Place great place to grab a quick drink or bite to eat before or after the game if you want to wait out the inevitable post-game traffic on Route 1. There is also a significant amount of shopping and entertainment available at Patriot Place including a movie theater, bowling alleys, and even night clubs. Patriot Place is your one stop shop for pre and post game activities in Foxborough.
Clam chowder is without a doubt one of the most unique foods and you’ll find an abundance of in Foxborough. The chowder here is among the best you’ll ever find, so make sure to enjoy this creamy delicacy as no trip to New England is complete without it.
Lot 1: Lot A and BThese two lots are among the most popular with diehard Pats fans, who come to the games dressed head to toe in Navy and Red. In both lots, you’ll meet hundreds of excited tailgaters serving fabulous food and beverages. Make sure to get to these lots at least five hours before game time if you plan on setting up your tailgate spot, since of they fill up within 30 minutes of opening.
Patriot PlaceIf you’re not into traditional tailgating Patriot Place is perfect for you. The massive retail, dining, and entertainment complex located right outside of Gillette Stadium offers more than enough for fans to do on game days. No matter who you are or what your taste you’ll find something for you inside Patriots Place, which is home to upscale steakhouses, national fast food chains, and bars. The incredible variety makes Patriot Place great place to grab a quick drink or bite to eat before or after the game if you want to wait out the inevitable post-game traffic on Route 1. There is also a significant amount of shopping and entertainment available at Patriot Place including a movie theater, bowling alleys, and even night clubs. Patriot Place is your one stop shop for pre and post game activities in Foxborough.
Patriots Stadium Guide
In Game
Gillette Stadium opened in 2002 replacing the venerable Foxboro Stadium. The stadium seats 68,756 fans swelling Foxborough’s population from just over 16,000 to almost 85,000 on game days. Join Pats fans in their mass migration to Gillette Stadium making Foxborough the 11th largest city in Massachusetts on gameday.
The first thing you’ll notice when you pull up to Gillette Stadium is that there is a true New England feel to the stadium. Inside the stadium architecture, there is a classic colonial lighthouse and bridge, which can be found behind the north end zone. When attending a game, make sure to stop by and snap a picture of this one of a kind architecture.
It’s not just the architecture at a Pats game that makes the trip to Foxborough a special experience. Pats fans are among the most diehard and loyal fans in the NFL. Sure it may seem easy for Pats fans to be loyal at the moment with the team having made the playoffs in 12 of the last 13 seasons, but Pats fans have been selling out since 1994 when the team was coming off a 5-11 season.Come on out to Foxborough to experience some great NFL football by watching one of the best teams in the NFL play in one of the best stadiums in the league as well.
Come on out to Foxborough to experience some great NFL football by watching one of the best teams in the NFL play in one of the best stadiums in the league as well.
The Hall at Patriot Place, Located just behind the north end zone, is a museum that pays homage to all the greatest players, coaches, and moments in Patriots franchise history. Inside the museum, you’ll be able to see the jersey of every player in the history of the franchise to have his number retired as well as countless other Patriots relics from the past. The museum also offers many interactive exhibits that are especially entertaining for younger fans.
Throughout Gillette Stadium you’ll encounter numbers banners commemorating all the greatest moments in Patriots history. These banners honor the four super bowl championships as well the 2007 team who went undefeated regular season. Stop by and check these out to relive all the greatest moments in Pats history.
Those of you looking to take in a Pats game in the lap of luxury will need to look no further than the Optimum Field Lounge. Located on the field level of the south end zone the Optum Field Lounge gives you a one of a kind view of the action that is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.
For diehard NFL fans or diehard fantasy football players, there is no better place in Gillette Stadium to be than the DraftKings Fantasy Sports Zone. Here you’ll get live updates on all the action going on around the league while also grabbing a quick bite to eat or something to drink as well making it the perfect place to be if you have to leave your seat during the game.
Every Patriots score that takes place inside of Gillette Stadium is accompanied by a 21 gun salute. The salute is performed by the End Zone Militia who come to every Pats game adorned in colonial attire. Over the years these guys have become more of a staple than the players on the field, so keep on the look out for the 21 gun salute when the Pats put points on the board.
The Patriots ensure everyone inside of Gillette Stadium is fired up and ready to go by putting on one of the most electrifying pre-game shows in the NFL. Things get off with a bang when the Patriots take the field to the sounds of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and reach a fever pitch right before kickoff when AC/DC’s “For Those About to Rock” booms over the stadium sound system.
The Pat Patriot logo may have been retired in 1993 in favor the current day “Flying Elvis” logo. However, Pat lives on as the Patriots mascot. On game days you can find Pat entertaining the crowd throughout the game, and you can even see him celebrating after every Patriot score.
Everybody in the crowd
Get up, get up!
Let’s go crazy, let’s get loud,
Yeah let’s scream,
Show our team,
New England’s where it’s at,
Get up, get up!
Let’s Go Pats!
Get up, get up!
Let’s Go Pats!
Get up, get up, get up, get up!
Let’s Go Pats!
I'm Shipping Up to Boston
I’m a sailor peg
And I’ve lost my leg
Climbing up the top sails
I lost my leg!I’m shipping up to Boston whoa
I’m shipping up to Boston whoa
I’m shipping up to Boston whoa
I’m shipping off…to find my wooden legI’m a sailor peg
And I’ve lost my leg
Climbing up the top sails
I lost my leg!I’m shipping up to Boston whoa
I’m shipping up to Boston whoa
I’m shipping up to Boston whoa
I’m shipping off…to find my wooden leg
Splitsville is a rare combination of upscale and nostalgic feel. With 12 luxury lanes and ample indoor and outdoor seating, Splitsville is an energetic yet comfortable atmosphere that can handle parties from 8 to 800.
We’re the perfect place for birthday parties, office team building, corporate events, charity fundraisers, holiday parties or even just a reunion with friends!
Sal's and Mal's is a family owned and operated Italian style pizzeria, proud to be serving the Foxboro community and surrounding towns for over 15 years!
Come dine on your favorite comfort foods and enjoy gastro-inspired relaxed fine dining. The ambiance is sophisticated yet fun while the menu features New England favorites and chef-inspired creations.
Building G, 28 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA
Our Chefs take pride in using the freshest local ingredients available. We combine traditional techniques and recipes with creative, contemporary ideas.
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