FIFA World Cup 2022 ended just a few weeks ago, but everyone's thoughts are already on the next tournament in 2026. The organizers of this competition are not idle and are preparing facilities. Among them is the currently renovated arena in Foxborough.

How is the renovation of Gillette Stadium going?

Everyone realizes that 3.5 years until the next World Cup is not a very long time. The United States, which will host most of the matches of the tournament, has been already working hard to make sure everything is realized according to the plan. One of the host arenas is Gillette Stadium, which is under modernization. It is used on a daily basis by the New England Revolution and New England Patriots soccer players. Both clubs have truly fanatical supporters, who back the teams online and are also eager to use ways to make money, such as Massachusetts betting apps to place a wager once they are fully available in the state.

Plans to renovate the Foxborough facility were announced in December 2021, but it turned out that it would not undergo a major renovation. The work was to focus on expanding the facilities located within the north stand. According to the prepared design, a glass pavilion with luxury boxes was to be built, which, according to the sponsorship agreement, would be called the Globalization Partners Atrium. Above it, a huge widescreen led display, which will show not only the result of the meeting, but also the most interesting actions from the match, will be mounted. It will be the largest outdoor screen in the US with a total area of 22,000 square feet. In addition, it will be appropriately curved so that the content presented on it can be seen from as many seats in the stadium as possible.

© Courtesy of Gillette Stadium

When will the work at Gillette Stadium be completed?

It is also worth noting that the unique lighthouse, a distinctive symbol of the arena, has been demolished. In its place, a new and larger structure will be built, which will reach a height of 218 feet. It will be more impressive and will make the average football fan even more familiar with the facility. Eventually, the implementation of this project began in January 2022, and gained momentum in the second half of the year. At that time, part of the upper stands of the northern sectors were dismantled, as well as the old display. Steel elements of the previously mentioned pavilion appeared, and a huge widescreen was installed. By December, the rooms were finished and could be used - as well as the led screen - during the fall NFL games hosted by the Patriots.

Still, the lighthouse has not been rebuilt. Work in late 2022 and early 2023 has slowed as the weather has not been very kind. It is called the winter of the century in the US, and snowfall was visible even from space. The most important thing, however, is that work was carried out quickly on those elements of the stadium that have the most important utility function during the events. However, it looks like the investment will be completed within the next few months. Its total cost is expected to be $225 million. This amount also includes the renovation of some elements of the South Stand in 2021. The company responsible for Gillette Stadium modernization project is Suffolk Construction.

© Courtesy of Gillette Stadium