So I got some tickets for the Patriots/Redskins game Oct.28th (4:15 P.M.). Its my first time at Gillette and I was wondering if I could get some advice and tips from other patsfans so I can best enjoy the day. I will be leaving from Boston (back bay) and am considering taking the T. Looking at the T schedule I would be leaving Back Bay Station at 2:05 P.M. and arriving at Foxborough at 3:05 P.M. This will give me about an hour to tailgate.
My questions are:
1-Is this enough time to enjoy tailgating? Should I drive (I'd rather not because I want to drink)
2- What should I bring with me. I assume beer is allowed at the tailgate but is it allowed on the T?
3- Should I bring my own food or do people generally share with other tailgaters?
4- How cold does it get this time of year. What should I be wearing? Parka?
Any other points of advice would be much appreciated.
1. Not really. If you really want the full tailgate experience you should drive and try to get there at least 2 1/2 hrs. before game time because that last 1/2 hr. you'll spend breaking down the tailgate, waiting in line and getting to your seat. Are you planning on meeting up with another group to tailgate or just kind of jump in with some "strangers"? Most people usually have some extra food and a beer or two but I wouldn't necessarily say it's a given. If you enjoy some brews while tailgating (get a nice buzz but don't get sh!tfaced) and forego it in the stadium during the game you ought to be in good shape to drive home afterwards.
2. If you're driving and it's your first time bring beer, a small grille, some folding chairs, maybe a table and some soda or Gatorade for the ride home (I prefer caffeinated because even though I don't get spent anymore it does make for a long day. Especially psychologically now that it'll start getting dark early and it's a 4:15 gametime). Check out the other set-ups around you for ideas for future tailgates, especially if they become a regularity. We started out with the bare necessities and have worked our way up to tents, picnic tables, gas grille, propane burner (and heater when it gets cold), gas stove and wood fire pit. A dedicated tailgate bus/camper is our next step. If you really don't want to drive and just take the T in, be sure to bring a 12 pack or two. That way you'll have enough to drink with a few extras for bartering with fellow tailgaters for food.
3. Once again, it will depend on whether you're driving or not. We generally share back and forth with our tailgate "neighbors" but if someone were just to show up with nothing to offer (read beer and/or food) the reception would depend largely on how many beers had been consumed up to that point. The grille is always open to anyone who needs it, and I would think that would be the case with most folks there, so it might not be a bad idea to bring a pack of brats, dogs or hamburgers with you if you're travelling light. OTOH if you bring plenty of beer to barter with that opens up a lot of doors.
4. They're forecasting low 60's tomorrow during the day so plan on that dropping by 7-10*'s as the sun sets. If you're on the Pats side of the stadium you get the sun longer but it'll still get chilly as the sun goes down. It all depends on your cold tolerance. I'll be in shorts and a sweatshirt over a t-shirt but that's pretty much what I wear until the temps get into the 40's. Jeans a t-shirt, long sleeve shirt and either a light jacket or sweatshirt should cover you for whatever the weather brings you. It's not bad now, but it's tougher to judge as we get into winter weather.
Even though it is a nightmare trying to get out now that all of the construction is going on all around the stadium, I highly recommend driving in and showing up early at the expense of having a few less beers during the day. Since it's your first time that'll leave you with plenty of time to wander around the lots and check out that tailgating, maybe wander over to the Pro Shop and even head in to the game early so that you can check it out prior to gametime. Plus you'll get to experience the joys of getting into and out of Gillette!
