Going to Pats games from abroad

[CelticPatriot]

Making it my ambition for next year to get to at least 1 Patriots game in 2014, in America.

Was wondering if anybody else on here has done it and what the costs are, and also general advice.

 

[Joker]

we had a Brit last season who made the trip...there's a thread here somewhere...has a ton of useful info in it...although some of the transpo and lodging info may be out of date...maybe a mod can find the thread for you and post a link...

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

plan on being stuck in traffic for a while if you park at the stadium..if you don't like traffic..park down Rt 1 somewhere

 

[CelticPatriot]

plan on being stuck in traffic for a while if you park at the stadium..if you don't like traffic..park down Rt 1 somewhere

Haha. I don't drive (hopefully will by then) no intention hiring a car though. Is the stadium easy to get to using public transport? Also, how much are domestic flights in the US generally. If I were to go from Boston to another city for a game, say New York, Baltimore, Indy etc, how much would the flight cost?

 

[Tunescribe]

Just stay away from the train. It is NOT reliable. Find a hotel somewhere near Foxboro and arrange a taxi, etc. or find someone to hitch a ride with. It's best to be dropped off approx. a mile from the stadium and walk the rest of the way, as traffic gets quite jammed up within an hour of kickoff. Try to arrive a couple hours before kickoff if you can and tailgate with folks or hang out in a restaurant at Patriot Place (right next to the stadium).

 

[CelticPatriot]

Just stay away from the train. It is NOT reliable. Find a hotel somewhere near Foxboro and arrange a taxi, etc. or find someone to hitch a ride with. It's best to be dropped off approx. a mile from the stadium and walk the rest of the way, as traffic gets quite jammed up within an hour of kickoff. Try to arrive a couple hours before kickoff if you can and tailgate with folks or hang out in a restaurant at Patriot Place (right next to the stadium).

Was thinking that, I take it thousands of people travel from Boston in their cars? What would be the chances of getting a ride with someone?

 

[Joker]

Was thinking that, I take it thousands of people travel from Boston in their cars? What would be the chances of getting a ride with someone?

The chances are very good because

#1...this is a tremendous fanbase that will reach out to help fans like you from abroad..I've seen it many times

#2...there are plenty of options to travel by bus in a group, for example...a package deal...as the time draws near you can see what's available.

#3...if you stay in Providence, fans like me will gladly accommodate you...I used to throw entire tailgate parties for out of state friends and groups when there was still dirt parking lots but it's all paved and sanitized these days..still, tailgating is a rich part of Ptriot tradition.

the key is to have a definite plan to attend on a specific date...from there things will work out, I almost guarantee it.

 

[Tunescribe]

Was thinking that, I take it thousands of people travel from Boston in their cars? What would be the chances of getting a ride with someone?

Most people drive their cars, yes (from all over the region, not primarily Boston). If the game is the primary destination in your journey, I suggest you look into flying to Providence, R.I. instead of Boston. It's closer to Foxboro, less congested, etc.

You'll find a way to get to the game. But, it will be easier if you can get lodging in or close to Foxboro.

 

[CelticPatriot]

The chances are very good because

#1...this is a tremendous fanbase that will reach out to help fans like you from abroad..I've seen it many times

#2...there are plenty of options to travel by bus in a group, for example...a package deal...as the time draws near you can see what's available.

#3...if you stay in Providence, fans like me will gladly accommodate you...I used to throw entire tailgate parties for out of state friends and groups when there was still dirt parking lots but it's all paved and sanitized these days..still, tailgating is a rich part of Ptriot tradition.

the key is to have a definite plan to attend on a specific date...from there things will work out, I almost guarantee it.

Thanks! Will definitely consider Providence, or maybe stay in more than one place. I plan to do it as my big summer "vacation". Obviously very early stages due to timescale and I also don't know what my finances will be like then. I would prefer to go closer to the summer and make a long holiday out of it, maybe stay in NE for 2 weeks and get two home games in a row, then go to New York or another city. I would be going primarily for the football, but never been to America and want to see the sights aswell. The people I'm likely to be going with almost certainly won't be football fans as there are so little and I only know a few.

Most people drive their cars, yes (from all over the region, not primarily Boston). If the game is the primary destination in your journey, I suggest you look into flying to Providence, R.I. instead of Boston. It's closer to Foxboro, less congested, etc.

You'll find a way to get to the game. But, it will be easier if you can get lodging in or close to Foxboro.

Thanks, do you think the hotels and accommodation in or near Foxboro sell out quickly for game days/nights? Would it be easy enough to get to Foxboro before the game and stay the night and go to the game the next day

Don't mind long waits/drive, used to going to soccer games (which are much smaller and more frequent events than NFL games) where I get up at 7am, travel 4 hours on a coach, watch the game, straight back onto coach and then 4 hours home again. Not good especially when the coach goes on fire and breaks down and you don't get home again till 10pm and have spent about 10-11 hours travelling.

All the posts have reassured me about going, seems that if I plan properly I should be ok. Just need to get some money and wait.

Just a small point about going to Providence, I checked the flight compare websites and it seems the only way to get to Providence from Glasgow is to fly to London, then France, then Detriot and then on to Providence. Or other combinations like going to Holland then Atlanta then Providence, it's definetely worth a proper look though

 

[jmt57]

This thread is from two years ago, but most of the info should still be accurate; hopefully some of the commentary in there can be of use to you.


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

 

[Tunescribe]

Thanks! Will definitely consider Providence, or maybe stay in more than one place. I plan to do it as my big summer "vacation". Obviously very early stages due to timescale and I also don't know what my finances will be like then. I would prefer to go closer to the summer and make a long holiday out of it, maybe stay in NE for 2 weeks and get two home games in a row, then go to New York or another city. I would be going primarily for the football, but never been to America and want to see the sights aswell. The people I'm likely to be going with almost certainly won't be football fans as there are so little and I only know a few.

I don't know how quickly the hotels fill up but I'm sure the earlier you make plans the better. I would suggest lodging somewhere close by the night before the game so you can focus on having fun on game day.

Keep in mind that Boston and its surrounding attractions are not close to Foxboro. If you want to make the most of your trip, it's best to be with someone driving a rental car. (Experience driving on the right side of the road helps as well; Boston-area drivers are notoriously rude and impatient.)

 

[Triumph]

Was thinking that, I take it thousands of people travel from Boston in their cars? What would be the chances of getting a ride with someone?

If you go this route, you can experience the whole tailgating thing.

Just chip in for food, parking and bring your own beer. We Yanks like cold beer btw.

 

[PortPatriot]

I've been over to Foxboro a few times now from Aus and I've gone both the train and hire car route. Don't do the car unless you have to, it's a nightmare, especially if you're not familiar with the surroundings. The train isn't much fun either and it arrives with not a lot of time to spare.

Here's what I did. I caught the train out of Boston early to the Walpole station (around 3ish for a prime time game from memory), you will need to do research I can't remember what line it was on and I organised for a local taxi company to be waiting for me at the station. I was dropped off not far from the stadium with plenty of time to do some shopping at Patriot Place, enjoy the tail gates and a few drinks etc etc. At the end of the game I caught the train back.

 

[Joker]

I've been over to Foxboro a few times now from Aus and I've gone both the train and hire car route. Don't do the car unless you have to, it's a nightmare, especially if you're not familiar with the surroundings. The train isn't much fun either and it arrives with not a lot of time to spare.

Here's what I did. I caught the train out of Boston early to the Walpole station (around 3ish for a prime time game from memory), you will need to do research I can't remember what line it was on and I organised for a local taxi company to be waiting for me at the station. I was dropped off not far from the stadium with plenty of time to do some shopping at Patriot Place, enjoy the tail gates and a few drinks etc etc. At the end of the game I caught the train back.

MBTA > Riding the T > Patriots

Adelaide, huh? Met Rodney Fox there...bought a set of great white shark jaws off him back in '93...17 footer...he shoiwed me the mouth print on his torso where a great white chomped down on him diving . I spent three glorious weeks in Adelaide for ZERO courtesy of the finest people, IMO, on the planet...Aussies. The Gran Prix ran while I was there....man, drinking fresh brewed beer out of a tap in a pub and watching the formulas zip by...never forget it. Met a guy at the Great Barrier reef and he invited me to stay with him and his family...he owned a butcher shop. I think I spent like $50 aussie the whole time I was there...great Italian food too.

 

[PortPatriot]

Oh yes old Rodney Fox down at Glenelg. The museum is still there. I was a bit young and missed out on the Grand Prix in Adelaide before it moved to Melbourne, which I went to a few years ago. Apparently it was the best street circuit in the world and it was a great party atmosphere. I've got to say every time I've been in the New England area I've encountered nothing but friendly people always wanting to have a chat. Can't wait to make it back.

 

[southieinnc]

Making it my ambition for next year to get to at least 1 Patriots game in 2014, in America.

Was wondering if anybody else on here has done it and what the costs are, and also general advice.

________________________________________________________________

I have travelled away to many Patriots games. Usually I tie the trip into other activities, considering that travel is usually the biggest expense. I am in Okinawa now and it will cost a good bit to go back to the states but I plan to go back this winter anyways to see my family.
My favorite trip was to Nashville TN. for a New Years Day game. New years eve in Nashville was unbelievable and to get up and go to the game was icing on the cake.
In short, Plan the trip and add the game.

 

[Mike the Brit]

This is a great thread -- I've "liked" some of the most helpful posts. Here are some assorted comments and ideas to add.

1. Comments about the problems in getting to the stadium are spot on. The train has worked for me, but it's really not great -- and you'll miss the tailgating and Patriot Place. The Walpole + taxi idea is brilliant (clever guys, these Aussies!)

2. If it were me, I'd be seriously looking into the idea of staying in Providence and setting up a ride with someone. Like Joker, I'd be astonished if there weren't someone who could fit in a nice, polite Glaswegian -- especially one who brought along a wee bevvy. And I really liked Providence. Attractive place with good food and drink. But I wouldn't want to stay there too long -- compared with Boston, it's pretty small.

3. Boston hotel prices are wicked (and I don't mean that in the Bostonian sense of "wicked"). But you'll obviously want to spend some time there. There's lots to do and see.

4. Transatlantic flying. You'll obviously be buying on price and I REALLY doubt that flying to Providence makes sense. But Logan (Boston) is fine. Its main advantage is that it's very easy to get into town. At present the shuttle bus that takes you to South Station and onwards on the public transport system (the "T") is actually free. There's also (I'm told) a pretty good network of buses to elsewhere in New England. And if you were going to Providence, it would be easy to take the shuttle to South Station and get a train (see below).

Warning. American, United and Delta seem to be in a competition to be the worst transatlantic airline (I think they're pretty much neck-and-neck). If it's only a few bucks difference, I take Virgin or BA. But otherwise ... what the heck?

5. Given you're making a holiday of it, you might want to consider flying in and out of New York. I'm no expert, but the few times I've done it transatlantic I've found Newark to be the least bad of the airports. And if you're going to take the train to/from New England, it's on the East Coast line (I think).

6. Trains/buses. Trains in the U.S. aren't always great, but the East Coast line (Boston/Providence/New Haven/NYC) has decent and very frequent service. There are lots of delays, though, so I wouldn't want to rely on its punctuality if I had a flight to catch. If you're feeling brave, there are also the buses (though the most notorious has been shut down for safety reasons).

7. Holiday destination. Everyone I know (Europeans and Brits) who knows the Cape thinks it's wonderful.

Anything I can help with, feel free to PM me.

 

[Darrone]

For a true out-of-towner, definitely find a bus package to take from wherever you decide to stay. It will be a much simpler and easier to follow route into and out of the stadium.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

1. Do NOT fly to Providence from Glasgow. Fly to Boston. More flights less $. You can get transportation from Boston to Providence. You could even fly to NYC, tour there and take the train to Providence. Of course hotels in Boston or NY are expensive.

2. Your biggest problem will be game ticket$. SeatGeek.com is a site that aggregates tickets from brokers and shows you the best value deals.

3. Racist Bostonians often tell jokes about us Scots. Dinna kill them for this offense unless you want to bunk with a former Patriots player.

 

[PortPatriot]

2. Your biggest problem will be game ticket$. SeatGeek.com is a site that aggregates tickets from brokers and shows you the best value deals.

I've bought induvidal game tickets for games on Ticketmaster as soon as they've gone on sale and never had any problems (4 games at Foxboro). Two primetime games in 2011 I got level 1 tickets on the Patriots sidelines for a fraction of the price of what they went on StubHub and other similar re-seller sites. My advice is just be at your computer as soon as they go on sale ready with your credit card.