Gillette Stadium – tournament stadium description

What will Gillette Stadium be called during the 2026 World Cup?

During the 2026 World Cup, Gillette Stadium will be called Boston Stadium. Such a name change is in line with FIFA practices, which require the use of neutral stadium names during international tournaments. This regulation aims to avoid conflicts with official tournament sponsors and ensure that stadium names do not promote specific commercial brands unrelated to the event. The name Boston Stadium refers to the Greater Boston area where the stadium is located.

What changes will need to take place at Gillette Stadium before the 2026 World Cup?

In the fall of 2023, Gillette Stadium completed a $250 million renovation. Key parts of the project included the Gillette Stadium Lighthouse, a 22-story tower with a 360-degree observation deck open to guests year-round, and the country's largest outdoor curved video board. Other enhancements included a new entrance canopy, redesigned Hall of Fame Alley, a bridge allowing east-west movement, increased restroom facilities, and permanent food and beverage points.

Before the start of the tournament, all stadiums will need to undergo testing to demonstrate compliance with FIFA's detailed requirements for such a large event. Changes made to the venues may involve upgrading the playing surface, improving seating areas, enhancing accessibility, and updating stadium technology and security systems to meet international FIFA standards.

How will Gillette Stadium be used for the 2026 World Cup?

Gillette Stadium will host a total of 7 matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Five of these will be group stage matches scheduled for June 13, 16, 19, 23, and 26. Additionally, Boston will host a Round of 32 match on June 29 and one of the quarter-finals on July 9.

What hours will the 2026 World Cup games at Gillette Stadium be broadcast?

The 2026 World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts are likely to be played at 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, and 21:00 local time (Eastern Time). Converting these times to UK time (BST), the matches will be available for viewing at 17:00, 20:00, 23:00, and 02:00 the following day. In Australia (AEST), they will be available for viewing at 02:00, 05:00, 08:00, and 11:00 the following day.

Where is Gillette Stadium, the 2026 World Cup stadium, located?

Gillette Stadium is located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 35 km southwest of downtown Boston. During matches or other events, the venue is served by a special MBTA Commuter Rail line that connects Boston and Providence.

What features Gillette Stadium, the 2026 World Cup stadium?

The venue ranks first among all NFL venues for food safety, with 0% critical violations. Food service at Gillette Stadium is handled internally rather than outsourced, overseen by David Wheeler, the Patriots' Executive Director of Food and Beverage. In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a memorial garden was installed outside Gillette Stadium. It features a semicircle with six flowering trees, a memorial plaque, mural, and stones honoring the victims. Until 2031, Gillette will remain the stadium's sponsor, having been associated with it since its inception in 2002.

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