Gillette Stadium

The New England Patriots entering Gillette Stadium, Boston, Massachusetts © Jerry Coli | Dreamstime

While Boston is known for its long and storied sports history, perhaps the best sports venue experience can be found outside of the city. Contrary to thecramped feeling of Fenway Park sandwiched in the heart of Beantown’s urban jungle, Gillette Stadium in suburban Foxboro to the south, home to the New England Patriots, is anything but tight.

Built across 800 acres of land, this area not only includes the stadium, but also the incredible 1.3 million square feet of shops, bars and restaurants wrapping around the arena that is Patriots Place. This $350 million commercial center features dining options like the famous Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, a 4-star hotel and even a bowling alley.

As fans enter the stadium, they will pass sports broadcasting hub CBS Scene, and can relive the past through the Patriots Hall of Fame, before being greeted by the 12-story modern lighthouse and bridge that remind fans they are in New England. The stadium features two enormous, high-def jumbotrons, next to the team’s three championship banners, looming above the always-filled 68,000 plus seats.

The beer is expensive at $8–11 per cup, and visitors may encounter an unsavory fan or two, but this is to be expected at any professional sports complex.

While the Patriot’s Nation holds claim over the stadium during the season, this area becomes a great concert venue in the summer, featuring events like Countryfest as well as an assortment of live performances.