Considering coming to Gillette for 12/19 Pats-Pack Game

[Kontradiction]

Posting this for our resident Packers fan who had to post this in the dead zone of the VLR since he couldn't start a thread here...

Hey guys,

As I stated in the new member forum, I'm a Packer fan from Milwaukee, Wisconsin (aka Brew City). When watching the draft a couple months ago with a couple friends, we got to talking about seeing our beloved team play on the road this season. So we got to thinking... Philly was crossed off immediately due to stuff like this YouTube - Eagles Fans throw snowballs at 49ers fans. Washington was next to be eliminated due to the stadium being possibly the worst fan experience in the league. Minnesota was next because their stadium stinks. Detroit was crossed off since their team stinks. That left New England, NY Jets, Atlanta and Chicago. Nothing really excites me about visiting Atlanta. Chicago could be a possibility, but only for budgetary reason as we could just go for the day and wouldn't have to fly anywhere. I have been to Chicago many times (though not to Soldier Field), but I'd rather go somewhere I haven't been before.

So we have it narrowed down to either the Patriots game or the Jets game. Both are good teams and I've never been to either area, and always wanted to visit both New York and Boston. the Jets have the brand new stadium, but I would say at this point that the Pats-Packers game interests me the most, since the game is sunday night, nationally televised, and the Pats fanbase seems to be more respectable (When I think of the Jets fanbase, I keep thinking of the crazies at the NFL draft making a scene every year).

So I'm wondering a few things.... What could we expect showing up at Gillette Stadium wearing our Packer gear? I would expect, as in most stadiums, I would get at least some friendly razzing, but are most fans generally respectful of the visiting fans? (in other words not Philly fans) Maybe I'm mostly concerned since there could be snowball making material that time of year.

Otherwise what can you tell me about Gillette? Where to sit/not to sit? Are there usually pre-game tailgate parties organized by nearby restaurants/bars? What are a few must-see sites in the area? We'll probably make a long weekend out of the trip (maybe flying in thursday, leaving monday). And also, feel free to tell me why I shouldn't go to the Packers vs. Jets game, if you feel the need to take a jab at them, since there is still a possibility we could go there instead.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Normally Packers gear would not be a problem. Snowballs ARE tempting though. Would get the thrower tossed out and lose their season tix though.

Restaurants don't have tailgates that I've seen. Find some like minded fans and start up a conversation. Helps if you're carrying a 6 pack to hand out.

Stay in Boston and commute to the game. Boston has the sights, Foxboro is the boonies. That said, if you blow off tailgating, the train from Boston is cheap but arrives too late to tailgate and departs right away post game. Parking is EXPENSIVE $50 and you wait forever geting in and out.

Jets fans may be still pissed off about Favre. By that time of the eseason they'll be totally crazy, either smelling a playoff slot or more likely, ready to kill as the Sanchise, Lady T and Ryan fail to meet their lofty pre-season expectations.

 

[BrewCity Cheesehead]

thanks Kontra... you're awesome

 

[woolster22]

If you do drive in avoid the larger lots right across from the stadium unless you feel like staying late or doing some "post-gaming." If coming from 495 theres plenty of smaller spots by the hotels/car dealerships on the left hand side of rt-1. Snowballs will be going if theres snow, but I don't think I've seen many specifically aimed at people aside from refs/visiting benches. Old man's season tickets are on the visitor side and vividly remember seeing a Jester Assistant smoked in the head and going down. then the zebras blew a call or three in a row and the stripes by the goalpost were gettin lit up til they stopped the game to tell us all to chill out. But you should be good until the pats score on your swisscheese d and everyone jus tosses snow up in the air like a winter fireworks show

 

[signbabybrady]

thanks Kontra... you're awesome

Brew City,

I would expect some good natured razzing not much more....though when you travel you always have to worry about the crazy drunks that by no means charectorize the crowd.

The snow ball thing I'ld say is a legitimate concern as ever since Teddys celebration in the snow the crowd has gotten a little cavalier with the snow throwing and visitors would be a target. For the most part this wouldn't be a problem but you should be aware.

I have been to many a jets game in the meadow too and IMO our crowd it much friendlier but I am biased.

 

[Raymond]

If you are visiting from Green Bay, you should tailgate and plan to party right along with the Pats fans. You can even plan to tailgate again after the game as I've done many times....I just change the menu. I'll say this because you're from GB and the cold may not bother you. You'll get razzing more than likely in any of the lots, nothing more imo, unless you had a mouthy guy with you who's had more than what should be drunk. I've been to Pats, Indy p/o games where the fans were very respectable and we had a good time.

Now if you were Jets fans.......I'd say, go to another game.

 

[Keyser Söze]

You would get castrated on sight, I've seen it before.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

You would get castrated on sight, I've seen it before.

Funny, but as a GB fan there's no animosity at Gillette. As a previous poster said, you should even be able to find a couple friendly Pats fans tailgates to join. Bring your sense of humor and all will go well (unless it's a ket game for the Pats and they lose...exit promptly).

As always, avoid the few drunken steroid freaks.

 

[Patjew]

Just be friendly, accept the M*******s' barbs graciously, and you'll have no problems.

I'd suggest flying into PVD and maybe staying part of the time in Providence. Much easier and cheaper than BOS, Providence is actually closer to Foxboro, and there are some great restaurants there. More touristy things to do in Boston, though.

 

[TealSox]

Being from CA, I've yet to get to the new stadium for a game, but I was there a couple weeks ago for a conference held at the stadium (after the Taylor Swift concert). And no, I wasn't there to see Taylor Swift. The one thing I took away from my visit to the Razor was that it was in the middle of no where!

I've got a ton of respect for you guys that find your way out there during a snow storm. And I need to give a shout out to my bartender friends at Bar Louie!

 

[BrewCity Cheesehead]

Great advice everyone... we don't have anyone going that will be obnoxious. Probably won't even drink in the stadium (you know... $$$$). I'm not too worried about the snowballs, as long as its not like the philly video.

I guess I never realised how far out Foxboro is. I guess I always assumed it was just outside the city... sort of like how Lambeau isn't actually in Green Bay (its in Ashwaubenon), but its basically in Green Bay. We'll probably avoid the train since I don't like to be rushed, and I like to take in the atmosphere, but I'll probably avoid paying $50 for parking if possible.

Patjew - never considered Providence. I'll look into it.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Starting a mile or maybe 2 away from the stadium you can park for $30 or $40. You do need to arrive hours early as the stadium is fed by one road.

 

[BrewCity Cheesehead]

Starting a mile or maybe 2 away from the stadium you can park for $30 or $40. You do need to arrive hours early as the stadium is fed by one road.

o man... they really like to rape you when it comes to parking... maybe the train isn't looking all that bad. I guess I'm used to parking at Lambeau... most people don't park at the stadium since it doesn't have much parking (which you need to buy a season long parking pass with your season tickets to get in), but its in a residential neighborhood, so most people pay someone $10-$20 to park on their lawn. The people who live close enough to Lambeau make a killing on it, usually enough to pay for season tickets for the entire family a couple times over.

I hear there is a hall of fame (at the stadium?)... is that worth making a visit to as well? If its mostly just the exhibit of the guys inducted into the hall, I'd pass on it, but if its an all-out museum about Patriot history/NFL history, I'd be very interested.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

I hear there is a hall of fame (at the stadium?)... is that worth making a visit to as well? If its mostly just the exhibit of the guys inducted into the hall, I'd pass on it, but if its an all-out museum about Patriot history/NFL history, I'd be very interested.

It is in fact an all-out museum about Patriots/NFL history. Really cool exhibits, and well worth the experience. You should try it.

 

[FCB02062]

As for game day at Gillette...I know Stoneforge on Route 1 in Foxboro north of the stadium (maybe a 15-20 minute walk to the Gillette Stadium gates) does some pregame thing, and there's a new BBQ place south of the stadium that probably will do something, and there's also the old End Zone (the sports bar is called something else now) south of the stadium that likely does something.

As for the whole treatment from the home fans, is it an absolute necessity that you wear Packers stuff to the game? If you don't wear Packers stuff you decrease your chances of any incident by about 1,000 times. Speaking as a season ticket holder for 17 or 18 years I've seen a lot of of road fans get a ton of stick from Pats fans. If you do choose to wear your Packer stuff, don't go nuts if they do something good because if you do, you're opening yourself up to more crap from the home fans.

Lastly, this is a night game, Sunday (non work day for most) to be exact, so people will have extra time to get hammered. If you wear your Packers stuff, just don't be to "enthusiastic" in your support of your team. In all honesty, it's a football game and the home fans get loaded and belligerent, especially if the Pats are not doing well. Good luck!

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

o man... they really like to rape you when it comes to parking... maybe the train isn't looking all that bad. I guess I'm used to parking at Lambeau... most people don't park at the stadium since it doesn't have much parking (which you need to buy a season long parking pass with your season tickets to get in), but its in a lawn. The people who live close enough to Lambeau make a killing on it, usuallyresidential neighborhood, so most people pay someone $10-$20 to park on their enough to pay for season tickets for the entire family a couple times over.

I hear there is a hall of fame (at the stadium?)... is that worth making a visit to as well? If its mostly just the exhibit of the guys inducted into the hall, I'd pass on it, but if its an all-out museum about Patriot history/NFL history, I'd be very interested.

This is Massachusetts, where the local town elites have outlawed such entrepreneurial parking businesses. I used to park in a local church lot a mile away for $5. No more since the mid 90s.

 

[jimmydasaint]

Seems like many posting here have not been to a game in a few years..Its $50 now to park anywhere near stadium.. I live in foxboro and its not Boston obviously, but its not exactly the booon docks either..PATRIOT PLACE anyone? Many bars right next to stadium at Patriot Place. Tailgatings great but if your from out of town with no grill Patriot PLace is your best bet..Bar Louise roof deck, CBS Scene outdoor deck, both look into Stadium and are fun places. Also, a new Toby Keith Bars being built and its going to be huge. Just take train from Boston as was suggested and hit the bars at Patriot Place..Easiest plan for Game Day. IMO..

 

[BrewCity Cheesehead]

This is Massachusetts, where the local town elites have outlawed such entrepreneurial parking businesses. I used to park in a local church lot a mile away for $5. No more since the mid 90s.

The state TRIED to crackdown on the parking on lawns a couple years back by trying to get the residents to report the parking revenue, but it didn't work because enough people complained. It makes for a great atmosphere... sort of like a huge block party every gameday, and it would be a sad day if they ever banned it.

 

[Nikolai]

The parking is $50, though some places nearby go for $40 or $30. My advice, if you drive, is to get there as soon as the lot opens (don't remember the time for a late game), and do some tailgating and such. If the game is close, you can get out pretty fast if you can get to your car in a timely fashion. If the game isn't close, you'll be waiting forever no matter when you leave.

I hear there is a hall of fame (at the stadium?)... is that worth making a visit to as well? If its mostly just the exhibit of the guys inducted into the hall, I'd pass on it, but if its an all-out museum about Patriot history/NFL history, I'd be very interested.

It's usually closed on gameday. But it's worth it on a non-game day, if you want to see some of the history of the Pats.

 

[BrewCity Cheesehead]

Seems like many posting here have not been to a game in a few years..Its $50 now to park anywhere near stadium.. I live in foxboro and its not Boston obviously, but its not exactly the booon docks either..PATRIOT PLACE anyone? Many bars right next to stadium at Patriot Place. Tailgatings great but if your from out of town with no grill Patriot PLace is your best bet..Bar Louise roof deck, CBS Scene outdoor deck, both look into Stadium and are fun places. Also, a new Toby Keith Bars being built and its going to be huge. Just take train from Boston as was suggested and hit the bars at Patriot Place..Easiest plan for Game Day. IMO..

That's more like what we'd be looking for. Flying in, would make bringing a grill a little tough.

As for the whole treatment from the home fans, is it an absolute necessity that you wear Packers stuff to the game? If you don't wear Packers stuff you decrease your chances of any incident by about 1,000 times. Speaking as a season ticket holder for 17 or 18 years I've seen a lot of of road fans get a ton of stick from Pats fans. If you do choose to wear your Packer stuff, don't go nuts if they do something good because if you do, you're opening yourself up to more crap from the home fans.

Yes, We WILL be wearing Packers gear. If we think that'll be a problem, then we probably shouldn't even make the trip. But, I get the feeling it won't be a problem (especially since we probably won't be drinking). None of us are by any means obnoxious or arrogant, but that doesn't mean that we won't cheer for our team (respectfully of course). As someone mentioned earlier, it might be different if we were Jets fans.

It's usually closed on gameday. But it's worth it on a non-game day, if you want to see some of the history of the Pats.

Definitely something I'd be interested in... not many teams have their own hall of fame, and if we're going to be in town for a few days, we'll have the time.