The FIFA World Cup is set to bring a frenzy of excitement to Boston, although the matches will actually take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, a location that tends to confuse newcomers. Known colloquially as “Boston Stadium,” Gillette is located over 25 miles from downtown Boston and presents a unique challenge for fans seeking to attend the matches.
Accessing the stadium can be done primarily in two ways: by navigating through potential traffic jams or by utilizing the MBTA Commuter Rail service to Foxboro Station. While the town is officially called Foxborough, locals and transit authorities often refer to it as Foxboro, which might catch some visitors off guard.
For those without a vehicle or looking to avoid the notorious congestion along Route 1, taking the train may emerge as the favored choice. However, the MBTA has not provided extensive details about its World Cup schedule yet, only indicating that tickets will be available in the spring. Fans will need to download the mTicket app to purchase their fare and must also show proof of a World Cup match ticket to complete their purchase, a measure aimed at curbing scalping.
The MBTA has pledged to transport up to 20,000 fans per match day, a significant portion of the anticipated audience. The agency is currently working on upgrades to the platform at Foxboro Station to better accommodate the influx of visitors during the tournament.
While the rail service could assist in alleviating some travel woes, an estimated two-thirds of spectators will likely have to tackle the Boston-area roadways to reach Gillette Stadium. Attendees should brace themselves for what is typically a 40-minute drive during off-peak hours, which can escalate to two hours or more during large events. Once at the venue, parking could also prove to be a challenge, with lengthy delays expected when exit gates open, sometimes taking over an hour to just get onto Route 1.
For fans who decide to drive, they might find that parking fees near the stadium exceed expectations. For international visitors, this World Cup experience may also offer a chance to learn the American tradition of tailgating, which is becoming increasingly popular around large sporting events.
Meanwhile, charter transportation companies are stepping up to meet demand, advertising “express” bus services to the matches, complete with designated pick-up spots and tailgating options. Given the anticipated traffic congestion, these pick-up times are scheduled as much as five hours prior to match start times, effectively transforming the day into a full event.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the logistics around reaching Gillette Stadium highlight the blend of excitement and challenges facing attendees as they prepare for an unforgettable tournament experience.