Patriots Overview

Fast facts

League: NFL

Head Coach: Bill Belichick

Team Mascot: Pat Patriot

Year Opened: 2002

Capacity: 65878

City / State: Foxborough / Massachusetts

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Patriots vs Jets

Rival Team: New York Jets

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.

Patriots vs Bills

Rival Team: Buffalo Bills

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.

Patriots vs Dolphins

Rival Team: Miami Dolphins

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.

Patriots vs Colts

Rival Team: Indianapolis Colts

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.

Traditions

Patriot Place

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.

play Watch video

Chowder

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.

play Watch video

Where to tailgate

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.

Things to check out

The Hall at Patriot Place

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.

play Watch video

Banners

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.

play Watch video

Optum Field Lounge

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.

DraftKings Fantasy Sports Zone

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.

End Zone Militia

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.

play Watch video

Pre-Game Show

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.

play Watch video

Pat Patriot

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.

play Watch video

Fight Songs

  1. Get up! Let’s Go Pats!

    Get up, get up!

    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!

  2. 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

Patriots Bars & Restaurants

  1. Howl at the Moon

    Howl at the Moon

    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.

    220 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA

    508-698-2695

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Splitsville

    Splitsville wine

    We’re the perfect place for birthday parties, office team building, corporate events, charity fundraisers, holiday parties or even just a reunion with friends!

    220 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA

    508-698-2695

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Mick Morgans

    Mick Morgans

    With remarkable food, exceptional service and an authentic Irish atmosphere, Mick Morgan's in Sharon is the place to be!

    973 Providence Hwy, Walpole, MA 02081, USA

    781-806-0066

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  4. Flynn’s Irish Pub

    Flynns Irish Pub

    Flynn's is a traditional Irish pub specializing in Craft beers & comfort food.

    2240 State Rd 6 7, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA

    508-833-8626

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  5. Bar Louie

    Bar Louie

    Bar Louie is an urban bar made famous for our signature martinis, cocktails and dynamic beer selection.

    232 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA

    508-623-1195

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Skipjack’s Best Fresh Seafood

    Skipjacks Best Fresh Seafood

    Skipjack’s creates a seasonally inspired daily menu utilizing the freshest seafood that is sophisticated, creative and rich with local flavors.

    226 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA

    508-543-2200

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  7. Sal’s & Mal’s Pizzaria

    Sals Mals Pizzaria

    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!

    8 Wall St, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA

    508-543-0336

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $

  8. Omega Pizza

    Omega Pizza

    Most well known pizza place in Foxboro and conveniently located near Gillette Stadium.

    128 Main St, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA

    508-543-3440

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  9. Twenty8 Food & Spirits

    Twenty8 Food Spirit

    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

    508-216-1668

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Tavolino

    Tavolino

    Our Chefs take pride in using the freshest local ingredients available. We combine traditional techniques and recipes with creative, contemporary ideas.

    274 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA

    508-543-6543

    Bar website

    italian - cafe - $$

  11. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop

    Capriottis Sandwich Shop

    Sharing our passion, one sandwich at a time! Extraordinary food for those unwilling to settle!

    267 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA

    702-631-0404

    Bar website

    italian - $

  12. Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse

    Davios Northern Italian Steakhouse

    Authentic Italian cuisine to blow you away

    236 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA

    508-339-4810

    Bar website

    italian - $$$