Foxboro Stadium
Foto: Wikimedia Commons contributors · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Kapacita
- 60 292
- Postaven
- 1971
- Klub
- Boston Bolts
- Země
- United States
Přehled
O stadionu
Foxboro Stadium was located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, roughly midway between Boston and Providence. Built in 1971 as Schaefer Stadium using entirely private funds without any state support, it gradually went through names like Sullivan Stadium and, from 1988, Foxboro Stadium. For thirty-one seasons, it served as the home ground of the New England Patriots in the NFL and since 1996, also the New England Revolution in MLS. The stadium's capacity reached 60,292, but it lacked a roof and was completely exposed to weather conditions, making it one of the most modest stadiums in the entire NFL.
A key moment in the history of Foxboro Stadium was the 1994 World Cup, during which a total of six matches from the group and knockout stages were held on its turf. The overall attendance at this venue during the championship surpassed 324,000 spectators. Among the players who showcased their talents in Foxborough was Diego Maradona, who scored a goal in the match between Argentina and Greece. The stadium also hosted the dramatic quarterfinal between Italy and Spain and in 1999, matches from the Women's World Cup.
The last chapter of the stadium's existence was the "Tuck Rule Game" in January 2002 — a legendary snow-covered playoff game where the Patriots defeated the Oakland Raiders on their way to their first Super Bowl. Shortly thereafter, in 2002, the stadium was demolished. On the neighboring land, a new Gillette Stadium was built that serves the Patriots and Revolution to this day. Thus, Foxboro Stadium left a legacy as a modest, weather-beaten arena that nonetheless hosted moments etched in the history of both world football and American football.
Historie
Cesta časem
The stadium was built entirely with private funds — without any support from the state of Massachusetts or the town of Foxborough — and opened its doors in August 1971 as Schaefer Stadium, named after the Schaefer Brewery in one of the first commercial naming options in the history of American sports. The total construction costs reached $7.1 million. In 1983, it underwent its first renaming to Sullivan Stadium, and then in 1988 to Foxboro Stadium, which it kept until its demise.
The most significant chapter in its existence was the 1994 World Cup, when Foxboro Stadium hosted a total of six group stage and knockout matches with an overall attendance of over 324,000 spectators. On the turf in Foxborough, Diego Maradona shone, scoring a goal in the match between Argentina and Greece (4-0) and playing his final game in a World Championship. The quarterfinal match between Italy and Spain (2-1) was one of the most dramatic moments of the entire tournament. The stadium also hosted matches in the 1999 Women's World Cup.
Since 1996, the stadium also became the home of the newly formed club New England Revolution in MLS. The Patriots' era culminated dramatically: the final regular-season home game was expected as a definitive farewell, however, the team led by Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady advanced to the playoffs and in January 2002 played the famous "Tuck Rule Game" — a snow-laden matchup against the Oakland Raiders, whose outcome was influenced by a controversial rule and which the Patriots won on their way to the first Super Bowl.
Demolition took place at the beginning of 2002, and on the neighboring land, Gillette Stadium was opened the same year, which today serves both franchises.
Kluby a týmy
Atmosféra
Den zápasu
The atmosphere of Foxboro Stadium was renowned for its raw authenticity. The stadium could offer almost no protection from the elements — gusty winds, rain, and particularly New England's icy winters were part of the experience at every autumn and winter game. Loyal Patriots fans who filled the stands even in adverse conditions took pride in this spartan atmosphere over time.
The stadium also had a less flattering nickname among hardcore supporters — "the dump" — referring to its outdated facilities, minimal amenities, and distressed condition, which was particularly noticeable compared to the modern NFL stadiums being built at the time. Yet, perhaps because of this, it earned a special place in the hearts of Patriots fans.
The strongest symbol of the entire era was indeed the "Tuck Rule Game" in January 2002: a playoff clash under dense snowfall, in conditions completely unsuitable for football, nevertheless delivering one of the biggest turnarounds in Patriots history. The stadium thus literally buried its existence in deep snow.
A revolutionary moment was the arrival of the New England Revolution into MLS in 1996, which brought a new wave of fans to the stands and gave the stadium a more cosmopolitan dimension. The matches of the 1994 World Cup then showed that Foxborough could attract global attention — although the venue, over twenty years old, had to offer relatively modest conditions to international visitors.
Praktické info
Návštěva stadionu
Foxboro Stadium no longer exists — it was demolished in 2002. On the site where it stood, and in its immediate vicinity, Gillette Stadium (nicknamed "The Razor") was opened that same year, which currently serves as the home ground for both the New England Patriots (NFL) and the New England Revolution (MLS) and can accommodate approximately 65,000 spectators.
The complex is located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, about 40 km southwest of Boston and approximately 30 km north of Providence. A shopping and entertainment complex, Patriot Place, has grown around the stadium. Visitors heading to Patriots or Revolution games today travel to Gillette Stadium — direct MBTA Commuter Rail trains run from Boston's South Station on game days; otherwise, the easiest mode of transport is personal car with parking right at Patriot Place.
Mapa
Kde najdeš stadion
Hodnocení
Tvoje hodnocení
Zatím bez hodnocení
Naplánuj návštěvu
Foxborough, United States
Ubytování
Booking.com — affiliate ID není nakonfigurováno
Stadium tour
GetYourGuide — partner ID není nakonfigurováno
Vstupenky
Ticombo — affiliate ID není nakonfigurováno
Některé odkazy jsou affiliate — pokud nakoupíš, dostaneme malou provizi (cena pro tebe se nemění).
