Advice on what fans making their first visit to Gillette can expect

[patsboy44]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

gonna be the best experience of your life!

 

[JaxPats]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

I would deffinatley fly into PVD. Hotels are right across the street from the airport and CHEAP! There are alot of places to eat also within walking distance. The train is also not far, but a taxi is advised. Good luck on your trip whatever you decide. Glad to have you visit. BTW, they seem to have alot of problems with Stubhub. Don't know why. Make sure the tickets you get are legit and will be honored. Very Important!! Ive seen too many folks get screwed from some of these agencys. See what sections are avaliable and check them out on the teams website before you buy. As for sections, I think there all good. Have fun. Oh, one more thing, if you plan on tailgating as a walk-in, most fans will adopt you should you need to hang out. just byob. Were a big family here :rocker:

 

[jmt57]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

I have been a long time reader of this board and even though I don't post much I do enjoy reading everyone's opinion on things. Well almost everyone's.

But today I need your help. My fiance and I are planning a trip to go to our first football game. She is a big Cowboys fan so naturally the only game she agreed to go to this year is the Patriots vs Cowboys on October 16th. We live in Salt Lake City and we have never been to Boston. I was hoping that the board could give a fellow pats fan(and cowboys fan) some advice on booking our trip. Where to stay, where not to stay, where to buy tickets, what section is the best for the price. You know, those kind of things. Is there any good bundle packages that you know of that include air fare hotel and everything?

Keep in mind that we have never been to a football game or Gillette stadium before so any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help and Go Patriots! :rocker:

I hope you don't mind that I merged your thread with an earlier one on the subject; my idea was that as these questions come up over the course of the season that there would be one place for suggestions and answers for (and from) everyone with questions like yours.

In addition here is a link for those that may consider the pros and cons of taking the train into the game; be advised most of these responses are in regards to taking the train from Boston, not from the south should you decide to stay in Providence: http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...278128-decided-try-train-game-any-advice.html

Enjoy the game!

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

You can also fly into Providence, or even Manchester NH, both the same driving distance away from Boston or Rt 128 assuming you rent a car. Less expensive hotels (google them) are along Rt 128 and by googling MBTA maps you can stay near enough to take the Green line into Boston for touring. Driving in Boston is not for the timid. Many one way streets, poorly labled.

Drive to the stadium planning to arrive 2 1/2 hrs before the game. Parking will be $40 inside and $50 outside but with faster egress. If you're feeling sociable talk your way into a tailgate as an out of town 1st timer, otherwise walk around the Patriot Place shops.

 

[blackglass3]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

After a very sucessful and fun trip to Foxboro in 09 with my older son for the snow game vs. the Titans; I am hoping to make a trip for Patriots/Jets in October. Provided I get home from Afghanistan in time, the idea is for my wife and sons to fly up from Tampa on October 6th, stay somewhere in between Boston and Foxboro, and spend two days checking out the city before the game on the 9th.

Is there anything worth checking out at Patriot Place besides the Hall? And is the Pro Shop open on Saturdays?

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

Not a sportsman but I love walking thru the huge Bass Pro Shop at the far end of the complex. Safe journey home.

 

[blackglass3]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

While we're at it, and I am sure I will get different replies, but what is the best seafood place in the area? Anywhere between Boston and Foxboro, I'll have a rental car. My only request is it is a local type of place...I hate chain restaurants (like Red Lobster or Chili's).

 

[olschool]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

While we're at it, and I am sure I will get different replies, but what is the best seafood place in the area? Anywhere between Boston and Foxboro, I'll have a rental car. My only request is it is a local type of place...I hate chain restaurants (like Red Lobster or Chili's).

That's like asking what's the best Mexican place in LA. I suppose it really depends on where your hotel is. Just ask at the hotel, they'll direct you to a good place. ( there is no Red Lobster in Boston, they could never compete.)

By the way, if you've never driven in Boston, you may want to splurge and get a package deal that includes transportation to the game. One bad day in Boston traffic could ruin your whole trip.

Also, while there are no really bad seats at the stadium, you want to get as close to the field as you can afford, or you'll end up watching the game on the big screen.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

If you do get seats in the 300s bring binoculars, seriously. On 2nd thought lightweight binoculars are great for live sports. If not as others said the new TV screens are fantastic.

Use Trip Advisor or somesuch to scope out restaurants within your driving radius.

 

[Tunescribe]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

I know taking the train has been mentioned here. Take it from a season ticket holder of 18 years: DO NOT TAKE THE DAMN FREAKIN' TRAIN! You will be rolling the dice as to whether it gets you to the game on time. And the ride back afterward takes an eternity. I gave the train three tries. Once missed about half the first quarter, another time had to literally run to the stadium to catch the kickoff. Never again.

Park your car at any private lot about a mile from the stadium. You can tailgate at most of them. It's only a 10-minute walk and you'll avoid a long wait to leave after the game. It costs $30-$40 to park at a private lot; parking in a stadium lot is $40. Stadium lots take MUCH longer to empty out after the game is over.

Aim to be parked two hours before kickoff. Cutting it closer than that is a gamble on getting stuck in traffic. If you want to tailgate, parking three to four hours before kickoff is recommended.

If it's raining and you want to eat in a restaurant, Patriot Place has some nice options right next to the stadium. Again, the key is getting there early -- at least two hours before kickoff. They tend to fill up fast on game day.

If you are a New Jersey Green Beans fan (a/k/a Green Puke), please do not come. Adults with an emotional IQ below that of a 3-year-old child or who like to play fireman are considered a nuisance and unnecessary disruption. Stay home in your mom's basement and watch the game with playmates. She might serve you milk and cookies at halftime.

 

[Joker]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

While we're at it, and I am sure I will get different replies, but what is the best seafood place in the area? Anywhere between Boston and Foxboro, I'll have a rental car. My only request is it is a local type of place...I hate chain restaurants (like Red Lobster or Chili's).

I commercial fish down here in Charlestown, R.I., and there's a ton of seafood restaurants nearby. Cap'N Jacks in East Matunuck. Aunt Carrie's, Champlin's Top O the Dock and George's in Galilee... I've been to the Legal Seafoods in Boston; to me, overpriced and underwhelming. There 's a place in Providence on Douglas Avenue called Carrie's that is always jammed... here's the menu:

Restaurant Menu | MenuPix

Iggys has a nice place in Conimicut, Warwick and Pt. Judith... also jammed most of the time.

You can sit on the deck at Champlin's in Galilee and watch the fishing boats come in right below you from their deck...

Skipjack's in Foxboro at Patriots Place is pricey but they have a wide selection of seafood apps and dinners. They are also in Boston.

I've been to Norm's in North Attleboro many times over the years... affordable, big menu, very reasonable pricing... it's where the common man eats seafood... close to Foxboro.

http://www.normsseafood.com/

I'm sure there's a ton of good places in Boston and the waterfront and north of the city. I'll let someone else with better knowledge handle that, BUT south of Foxboro I think I covered 80% of the good joints.

Oh yeah, almost forgot ... in the woods down here in Charlestown is the renowned Nordic Lodge ... all you can eat ... steamed lobster, steamed king crab legs, jumbo shrimp cokctail, fried jumbo shrimp, baked stuffed jumbo shrimp, fresh shucked oysters and clams, fried jumbo scallops, about 20 different salads including squid and octopus, snail, shrimp and swedish fish ... there's also a Haagen Daz ice cream bar where you can make your own nightmarish banana split with real hot fudge or real hot butterscotch ... you get 2 1/2 hours to eat ... they have prime rib, tenderloin steaks, pork and lamb also ... I mean, they got just about everything imaginable ... it's 80 bucks per person. Personally, I go to the Lodge twice a year ... before the summer starts and in September ... the crowds are huge during the summer.

Nordic Lodge Charlestown RI

 

[captain insano]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

wow now im really hungry

 

[tailgater]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

If you decide to fly into Boston, I recommend using hotwire, expeidia, etc. From SLC to BOS, air, hotel & car (incl tax) the lowest I found for the weekend of the Dallas game, comes to $564 pp Fri - Mon, if you stay outside the city (Ramada Inn, Burlington)

 

[TheSolderKing]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

gonna be the best experience of your life!

I thought sex w/ Petra Nemcova would be the best experience of any man's life

this isn't my favorite picture of her either

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

I commercial fish down here in Charlestown ,R.I., and there's a ton of seafood restaurants nearby. Cap'N Jacks in East Matunuck.Aunt Carrie's,Champlin's Top O the Dock and George's in Galilee...I've been to the Legal Seafoods in Boston, to me ,overpriced and underwhelming.There 's a place in Providence on Douglas Avenue called Carrie's that is always jammed...here's the menu

Restaurant Menu | MenuPix

Iggys has a nice place in Conimicut, Warwick and Pt. Judith...also jammed most of the time.

You can sit on the deck at Champlin's in Galilee and watch the fishing boats come in right below you from their deck...

Skipjack's in Foxboro at Patriots Place is pricey but they have a wide selection of seafood apps and dinners.They are also in Boston.

I've been to Norm's in North Attleboro many times over the years...affordable, big menu,very reasonable pricing...it's where the common man eats seafood...close to Foxboro.

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I'm sure there's a ton of good places in Boston and the waterfront and north of the city. I'll let someone else with better knowledge handle that, BUT south of Foxboro I think I covered 80% of the good joints.

Oh yeah, almost forgot...in the woods down here in Charlestown is the renowned Nordic Lodge...all you can eat ...steamed lobster, steamed king crab legs, jumbo shrimp ****tail, fried jumbo shrimp,baked stuffed jumbo shrimp, fresh shucked oysters and clams, fried jumbo scallops,about 20 different salads including squid and octopus, snail, shrimp and swedish fish...there's also a Haagen Daz ice cream bar where you can make your own nightmarish banana split with real hot fudge or real hot butterscotch...you get 2 1/2 hours to eat...they have prime rib, tenderloin steaks, pork and lamb also ...I mean, they got just about everything imaginable...its 80 bucks per person. Personally, I go to the Lodge twice a year...before the summer starts and in September...the crowds are huge during the summer.

Nordic Lodge Charlestown RI

The Lodge!!!

 

[jmt57]

While we're at it, and I am sure I will get different replies, but what is the best seafood place in the area? Anywhere between Boston and Foxboro, I'll have a rental car. My only request is it is a local type of place...I hate chain restaurants (like Red Lobster or Chili's).

From the perspective of somebody that gets up to the Boston area about once a year:

I'd suggest that you go with one of Joker's suggestions, but if you do end up in the city you're probably going to have a good experience almost anywhere you go ordering haddock and a bowl of chowder.

I liked Legal Seafoods many years ago when they first started, but not so much once they got beyond three locations. It's not that they're bad; just that there are better options in my opinion.

If you're in the city I like Durgin Park, although that is a bit on the touristy side. If you're in that area you might be better off walking over to the North End and trying out the Neptune Oyster or Daily Catch, which is actually an Italian/Seafood restaurant.

Also, stay away from the No Name Restaurant. It used to be my favorite place to go when I was younger but I was majorly disappointed last time couple times that I went there; later on I found out that many others have had similar experiences in recent years.


Others living in the area can tell you more but that's my two cents worth. Hope that helps; enjoy your trip.

 

[Garbanza]

What to expect? Lots of traffic.

No one to tailgate with? Try Bar Louie's pre-game (in Patriot place which surrounds the Stadium)

When to get there? At least two hours before the game - so leave Boston at 9:45am at the latest for a 1:00pm game.

Where to dine in Boston? Depends on what you want. North End for Italian (Massamino's is my favorite). Legal Seafoods for well, seafood! LOL! (The seaport district one is my fav). I also suggest one of those corny duck boat tours or a harbor cruise. They are fun and educational - not kidding.

If you are visiting Boston - stay in Boston. Worth the coin and avoid the hassles of driving in from the suburbs. Boston is a walking City and the subway system is very good. Cabs are not cheap, btw.

 

[Dragda]

You can take the train from South Station. It's better than parking. Cheaper too. Get in line for the train early. The line gets long.

Don't take the train from South Station if you have standing room only tickets. If you have those, get there super early. I've had them a couple times, but am not sure I'd do it again.

Gillette is a very large and impressive stadium. It's a fun place to see a game. Have fun.

 

[Deus Irae]

From the perspective of somebody that gets up to the Boston area about once a year:

I'd suggest that you go with one of Joker's suggestions, but if you do end up in the city you're probably going to have a good experience almost anywhere you go ordering haddock and a bowl of chowder.

I liked Legal Seafoods many years ago when they first started, but not so much once they got beyond three locations. It's not that they're bad; just that there are better options in my opinion.

If you're in the city I like Durgin Park, although that is a bit on the touristy side. If you're in that area you might be better off walking over to the North End and trying out the Neptune Oyster or Daily Catch, which is actually an Italian/Seafood restaurant.

Also, stay away from the No Name Restaurant. It used to be my favorite place to go when I was younger but I was majorly disappointed last time couple times that I went there; later on I found out that many others have had similar experiences in recent years.


Others living in the area can tell you more but that's my two cents worth. Hope that helps; enjoy your trip.

Durgin Park = yummy prime rib

 

[tailgater]

Re: Booking trip to my first Patriots game... Help!

While we're at it, and I am sure I will get different replies, but what is the best seafood place in the area? Anywhere between Boston and Foxboro, I'll have a rental car. My only request is it is a local type of place...I hate chain restaurants (like Red Lobster or Chili's).

Fresh Catch in Mansfield is well thought of and the prices are lower than those in the Boston area or at Patriot Place.