Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Going to Friday’s Pats Game?

Courtesy of the New England Patriots

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2007

MEDIA ADVISORY

Gillette Stadium officials are requesting assistance from the media in communicating important parking and traffic information to fans planning to attend Friday night’s Patriots preseason opener at Gillette Stadium. Fans should be reminded to allow more time than usual to drive to the stadium and park. All Gillette Stadium parking lots will open at 4:00 p.m. - four (4) hours before the game’s scheduled 8:00 p.m. kickoff.

TIPS FOR FANS ATTENDING FRIDAY’S GAME

· A rearrangement of the parking lots has relocated the majority of stadium parking spaces on the opposite side of Route 1 from Gillette Stadium. Fans should plan to park across the street from the stadium for the easiest ingress and egress.

· There is major construction taking place on Interstate 495 at Exit 14 (Route 1), including temporary onramps and offramps on which extreme caution should be used.

· Fans will experience Friday commuter traffic and Friday summer vacation traffic, which they may not be accustomed to dealing with during regular-season weekend games.

CHANGES IN STADIUM PARKING CONFIGURATION
The parking lots on the opposite side of Route 1 from Gillette Stadium have been expanded and the majority of stadium parking is now located across from the stadium. This change in location of parking availability may prompt a change to many fans’ particular parking routine. Fans should be reminded of the following tips.

· For Fans Traveling from the North: Stay right on Route 1 approaching the stadium and follow signs for P10 for the easiest ingress and egress. To access the stadium, fans must cross Route 1 at the marked pedestrian crossings.

· For Fans Traveling from the South: Because of the newly-built median on Route 1, the decision on which side of Route 1 to park must be made prior to the Pine Street intersection. (near the Seasonal Specialty Stores and The Lafayette House). Fans wishing to park on the left side of Route 1 (P10 or P11) must stay to the left of the median. Fans wishing to park on the stadium side of Route 1 must stay to the right (P8 or P7).

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL HINTS

· As a rule, the earlier that fans arrive the easier it will be for them to park, although please note that lots do not open until 4:00 p.m. - four (4) hours prior to kickoff .

· Take advantage of the fastest route to available parking spaces by filling in open lanes on Route 1. To fill in the largest available space, fans should plan on parking in P10, across Route 1 from the stadium.

· Follow all directional signage on Route 1 and watch for updated traffic messaging on the overhead signs.
· As always, carpooling or using public transportation is encouraged to reduce the number of cars on the road.

Thank you for your assistance in communicating this information to the public.

-PATRIOTS-