What were the different names of Foxboro Stadium throughout its history?

Foxboro Stadium was known by several names during its operational period. It originally opened as Schaefer Stadium from 1971 to 1983. Subsequently, it was renamed Sullivan Stadium from 1983 to 1989. After Robert Kraft purchased the stadium, it was renamed Foxboro Stadium, using a shortened spelling of the town's name, Foxborough.

Where was Foxboro Stadium located, and when did it operate?

Foxboro Stadium was situated in Foxborough, Massachusetts, within the New England region of the United States. It opened in 1971 and ceased operations in January 2002, with demolition occurring later that year.

Which professional sports teams called Foxboro Stadium home?

Foxboro Stadium served as the primary home venue for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL) for 31 seasons, from 1971 through 2001. It also hosted the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (MLS) for their inaugural seasons from 1996 to 2002.

What major international soccer tournaments were held at Foxboro Stadium?

Foxboro Stadium hosted several significant soccer matches, including six games during the 1994 FIFA World Cup and five games during the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. It also hosted the 1996 and 1999 MLS Cups and the inaugural Women's United Soccer Association Founders Cup.

What was the original construction cost of Foxboro Stadium?

The construction of Foxboro Stadium cost $7.1 million, which was only $200,000 over its initial budget. This cost, even adjusted for inflation, was considered a bargain for a major sports stadium during that era.

How was Foxboro Stadium funded?

Foxboro Stadium was entirely privately funded. Unlike many other major league stadiums of its time, it did not receive any funding from the governments of Massachusetts or the town of Foxborough.

What were the initial playing surfaces at Foxboro Stadium?

The stadium was originally designed for artificial turf. The first playing surface was Poly-Turf, installed from 1971 to 1976. This was later replaced by AstroTurf, which was used from 1977 until 1990.

When was a natural grass playing surface installed at Foxboro Stadium?

A natural grass field was installed at Foxboro Stadium before the start of the 1991 season.

What was the seating capacity of Foxboro Stadium, and did it change over time?

Foxboro Stadium's seating capacity varied slightly over the years. It opened with a capacity of 61,114 in 1971 and decreased to 60,292 by the 1995 season, remaining at that level through its closure in 2002. The capacity figures ranged from 60,292 to 61,297 across different periods.

Who were the owners of Foxboro Stadium during its existence?

The ownership of Foxboro Stadium changed hands over time. It was initially owned by Stadium Realty Trust (1970-1981), followed by Stadium Management Corporation, led by Chuck Sullivan (1981-1988). Robert Kraft acquired ownership in 1988.

What significant financial difficulties did the stadium's owners face?

The Sullivan family, who owned the Patriots and the stadium, faced severe financial difficulties after pledging the stadium as collateral for the Jackson Victory Tour in 1984. These financial troubles eventually led to bankruptcy and the stadium being put on the market.

How did Robert Kraft become the owner of both the New England Patriots and Foxboro Stadium?

Robert Kraft initially bought the stadium in 1988. He later prevented the sale of the Patriots to out-of-state interests by enforcing the stadium lease. When the team's ownership faced further financial issues, Kraft purchased the Patriots himself in 1992, consolidating ownership.

What were some of the major drawbacks of Foxboro Stadium in its later years?

By the late 1990s, Foxboro Stadium was considered functionally obsolete. It lacked modern amenities like luxury boxes, had inadequate plumbing that caused issues from its opening game, featured uncomfortable aluminum benches for most seating, and suffered from poor parking lot conditions and traffic congestion on US Route 1.

Why was seating capacity reduced for soccer events at Foxboro Stadium?

To meet FIFA's requirements for the 1994 World Cup and for the New England Revolution, several rows of seats were removed to accommodate a soccer pitch with acceptable dimensions.

What was the significance of Foxboro Stadium in relation to Diego Maradona's World Cup career?

Foxboro Stadium was the venue where Diego Maradona scored his final World Cup goal against Greece in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. It was also the site of his last official FIFA World Cup match, played against Nigeria on June 25, 1994.

Which MLS Cup finals were hosted at Foxboro Stadium?

Foxboro Stadium hosted the MLS Cup finals in 1996 and 1999.

What was the final soccer match played at Foxboro Stadium?

The final soccer match held at Foxboro Stadium was a qualifying match between the United States and Jamaica, with the United States winning 2-1.

How did the New England Patriots' playoff run affect the demolition schedule of Foxboro Stadium?

The Patriots' successful playoff run in the 2001 season, culminating in their first Super Bowl win, delayed the planned demolition of Foxboro Stadium. The stadium was originally scheduled for demolition in late 2001 but remained operational until after the conclusion of the 2001 postseason.

What was the final game played at Foxboro Stadium, and what was notable about it?

The final game played at Foxboro Stadium was the 'Tuck Rule Game' on January 19, 2002, between the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders. This AFC Divisional Playoff game was played in a snowstorm and is famously remembered for an overturned fumble call based on the tuck rule, which secured a Patriots victory.

What replaced Foxboro Stadium?

Foxboro Stadium was demolished in 2002 and replaced by Gillette Stadium, which was built on the adjacent former site of Bay State Raceway. The area was also developed into the Patriot Place shopping center.

What college football games of significance were played at Foxboro Stadium?

Foxboro Stadium hosted notable college football games, including the Holy Cross vs. Boston College game in 1971, which was moved due to snow, and the first meeting between Boston College and Notre Dame in 1975. Boston College also used the stadium as an alternate home venue between 1983 and 1987 to accommodate larger crowds.

What notable concerts and music festivals took place at Foxboro Stadium?

Foxboro Stadium hosted numerous major concerts and music festivals, including the Monsters of Rock Festival Tour, the Vans Warped Tour, U2's Joshua Tree and Zoo TV Tours, Elton John (multiple times, including a duet with Billy Joel), The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Who, Paul McCartney, New Kids on The Block, Genesis, Metallica with Guns N' Roses, Madonna, Pink Floyd, Dave Matthews Band, and The Rolling Stones.

What other non-sporting events were held at Foxboro Stadium?

Beyond concerts, Foxboro Stadium hosted the WWF King of the Ring tournament in 1985 and 1986, and the Drum Corps International World Championships in 1994.

What was the original purpose for which Foxboro Stadium was built?

Foxboro Stadium was primarily built as the home venue for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL).

Why did the New England Patriots need a new stadium in the late 1960s?

Following the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the NFL required its teams to play in stadiums with a capacity exceeding 50,000. Boston lacked a suitable venue that met this requirement, and previous attempts at professional football in the city were hampered by inadequate stadium facilities. The Patriots, previously known as the Boston Patriots, had played in smaller venues like Fenway Park, which had obstructed views and insufficient capacity for the league's new standards.

What was the nickname given to Foxboro Stadium by ESPN anchor Chris Berman?

ESPN anchor Chris Berman humorously referred to Foxboro Stadium as 'Shaver Stadium,' a pun referencing Victor Kiam's fame from Remington razor commercials and the stadium's original name, Schaefer Stadium.

What was the initial capacity of Foxboro Stadium when it opened in 1971?

When Foxboro Stadium opened in 1971, its seating capacity was 61,114.

What was the final seating capacity of Foxboro Stadium before its demolition?

The final seating capacity of Foxboro Stadium before its demolition in 2002 was 60,292.

Which NFL team played its last game at Foxboro Stadium before the Patriots moved to Gillette Stadium?

The Oakland Raiders played their last game at Foxboro Stadium against the New England Patriots in the 'Tuck Rule Game' during the 2001 playoffs.

What was the name of the company that served as the general contractor for Foxboro Stadium's construction?

The general contractor responsible for building Foxboro Stadium was J. F. White Contracting Co., a Massachusetts-based company.

What was the primary reason for the stadium's functional obsolescence by the late 1990s?

The stadium's functional obsolescence was primarily due to its lack of modern amenities, such as luxury boxes, and its overall 'bare bones' construction, which did not meet the evolving standards of the NFL and its fan base.

What specific plumbing issue plagued Foxboro Stadium from its opening?

From its very first game, Foxboro Stadium experienced plumbing issues, specifically a sewage overflow that affected the restroom facilities. This necessitated the continued use of rented portable toilets throughout the stadium's operational life.

How did the stadium's seating differ from modern venues?

Unlike many modern stadiums, Foxboro Stadium primarily featured backless aluminum benches for seating. Only a small number of seats had permanent chairbacks, and the majority of patrons had to bring their own cushions or portable seating.

What was the impact of the stadium's location on traffic and fan experience?

The stadium's location on a section of U.S. Route 1 that was not fully divided led to significant traffic congestion. It frequently took an hour or more for fans to exit the parking lots after games.

What was the name of the first MLS team to play at Foxboro Stadium?

The first MLS team to play at Foxboro Stadium was the New England Revolution, who used it as their home venue from 1996 to 2002.

What was the name of the stadium that succeeded Foxboro Stadium?

Foxboro Stadium was succeeded by Gillette Stadium, which was built on adjacent land.

What was the original name of the stadium before it became Schaefer Stadium?

The text does not state an original name before Schaefer Stadium; it indicates that Schaefer Stadium was its original name upon opening in 1971.

What was the name of the company that originally held the naming rights for the stadium?

The stadium's original naming rights were held by the Schaefer Beer brewery, leading to its initial name, Schaefer Stadium.

Who took over the naming rights after Schaefer Beer's agreement expired?

After the Schaefer Stadium naming rights agreement expired after the 1982 season, Anheuser-Busch took over the rights and named it Sullivan Stadium in honor of the Sullivan family, who were the majority owners of the Patriots at the time.

What was the purpose of the stadium's construction in relation to the Boston area's NFL requirements?

The stadium was constructed to meet the NFL's post-merger requirement for teams to play in venues seating over 50,000 people, a capacity that no venue in Boston proper could provide at the time.

What was the name of the stadium where the Patriots played before moving to Foxboro Stadium?

Before moving to Foxboro Stadium, the Patriots played at Harvard Stadium for the 1970 season and at Alumni Stadium at Boston College for the 1969 season. Prior to that, they played at Fenway Park from 1963 to 1968.

What was the name of the soccer tournament that featured a match between Argentina and Nigeria at Foxboro Stadium?

The match between Argentina and Nigeria at Foxboro Stadium was part of the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

What was the result of the 1996 MLS Cup held at Foxboro Stadium?

The 1996 MLS Cup at Foxboro Stadium saw D.C. United defeat the Los Angeles Galaxy with a score of 3-2 in overtime.

What was the result of the 1999 MLS Cup held at Foxboro Stadium?

In the 1999 MLS Cup held at Foxboro Stadium, D.C. United secured a 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy.

What was the outcome of the 2001 WUSA Founders Cup at Foxboro Stadium?

The 2001 WUSA Founders Cup at Foxboro Stadium concluded with the Bay Area CyberRays defeating the Atlanta Beat 3-3 (4-2 in penalties) after overtime.

What was the attendance for the 1994 FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and Greece at Foxboro Stadium?

The attendance for the 1994 FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and Greece at Foxboro Stadium was 54,456.

What was the attendance for the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final match between Norway and China at Foxboro Stadium?

The attendance for the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final match between Norway and China at Foxboro Stadium was 28,986.

What was the attendance for the 1996 MLS Cup at Foxboro Stadium?

The attendance for the 1996 MLS Cup at Foxboro Stadium was 34,643.

What was the attendance for the 1999 MLS Cup at Foxboro Stadium?

The attendance for the 1999 MLS Cup at Foxboro Stadium was 44,910.

What was the attendance for the 2001 WUSA Founders Cup at Foxboro Stadium?

The attendance for the 2001 WUSA Founders Cup at Foxboro Stadium was 21,078.

What was the attendance for the Boston College vs. Notre Dame football game in 1975 at Foxboro Stadium?

The attendance for the Boston College vs. Notre Dame football game in 1975 at Foxboro Stadium was 61,501.

Foxboro Stadium Wiki: Foxboro Stadium: A New England Landmark

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Stadium History

Genesis and Construction

Foxboro Stadium, initially known as Schaefer Stadium, commenced operations in August 1971. It was primarily constructed as the home venue for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Prior to its construction, the Patriots had played in several smaller, less suitable venues in the Boston area, which could not meet the NFL's post-merger stadium capacity requirements. The stadium's site was strategically chosen in Foxborough, Massachusetts, midway between Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, on land donated by the owners of Bay State Raceway. The construction, completed in September 1970, was remarkably cost-effective, finishing only slightly over its $7.1 million budget, and was entirely privately funded.

Home of the Patriots

For 31 seasons, from 1971 through January 2002, Foxboro Stadium served as the primary home for the New England Patriots. The team, initially known as the Boston Patriots, transitioned to the New England Patriots upon moving to Foxborough. The stadium witnessed the team's evolution, including their appearance in Super Bowl XX. Its location and capacity made it a significant venue for the region's NFL presence.

Multi-Sport Venue

Beyond football, Foxboro Stadium hosted numerous significant soccer matches. It was a venue for six games during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, including the final appearance of Diego Maradona in a World Cup match. Additionally, it hosted five games in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, the MLS Cup finals in 1996 and 1999, and the inaugural Women's United Soccer Association Founders Cup. The stadium also served as the inaugural home for the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer from 1996 to 2001.

Seating Capacity

Capacity Over Time

The seating capacity of Foxboro Stadium varied slightly throughout its operational history. Initially designed to accommodate over 60,000 spectators, adjustments were made over the years, particularly to meet FIFA regulations for international soccer tournaments.

Seating Capacity by Year
1971	61,114
1972	60,999
1973–1977	61,279
1978–1983	61,297
1984–1987	60,890
1988–1994	60,794
1995–2002	60,292

Playing Surface

Evolution of the Field

Reflecting the trends of stadium construction in the 1970s, Foxboro Stadium was initially equipped with an artificial turf surface. It began with Poly-Turf from 1971 to 1976, followed by AstroTurf from 1977 through the 1990 season. Recognizing the benefits of natural grass for player safety and game quality, a natural grass field was installed prior to the 1991 NFL season. This change marked a significant shift from the synthetic surfaces that had dominated the stadium's earlier years.

Naming Rights Evolution

From Schaefer to Sullivan to Foxboro

Foxboro Stadium was an early adopter of stadium naming rights. Initially named Schaefer Stadium from 1971 to 1983, the agreement was with the Schaefer Brewery. Following this, Anheuser-Busch acquired the rights and, in a unique move, named it Sullivan Stadium in honor of the Sullivan family, the then-majority owners of the Patriots, from 1983 to 1989. After Robert Kraft purchased the stadium, he removed the Sullivan name and reverted to the shorter, more geographically relevant "Foxboro Stadium," despite the town's official spelling being "Foxborough."

Notable Events

FIFA World Cups

Foxboro Stadium played a significant role in international soccer, hosting six matches during the 1994 FIFA World Cup. It was the venue where legendary player Diego Maradona scored his final World Cup goal and played his last World Cup match. The stadium also hosted five games during the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, including crucial knockout stage matches.

1994 FIFA World Cup Matches at Foxboro Stadium
Date	Teams	Round	Attendance
June 21, 1994	Argentina 4–0 Greece	Group D	54,456
June 23, 1994	South Korea 0–0 Bolivia	Group C	54,453
June 25, 1994	Argentina 2–1 Nigeria	Group D	54,453
June 30, 1994	Greece 0–2 Bulgaria	Group D	53,001
July 5, 1994	Nigeria 1–2 Italy (a.e.t.)	Round of 16	54,367
July 9, 1994	Italy 2–1 Portugal	Quarter-finals	53,400

MLS Finals & WUSA

The stadium hosted the MLS Cup finals in 1996 and 1999, showcasing the league's growing popularity. It also hosted the 2001 WUSA Founders Cup, highlighting its role in women's professional soccer.

MLS Cup & WUSA Finals
Event	Date	Result	Attendance
MLS Cup '96	Oct 20, 1996	D.C. United 3–2 LA Galaxy (a.e.t.)	34,643
MLS Cup '99	Nov 21, 1999	D.C. United 2–0 LA Galaxy	44,910
2001 WUSA Founders Cup	Aug 25, 2001	Bay Area CyberRays 3–3 Atlanta Beat (a.e.t.) (4–2 pen)	21,078

College Football History

Foxboro Stadium also hosted significant college football games. Boston College used it as an alternate venue from 1983 to 1987 for games requiring larger capacities than their on-campus stadium could provide. Notable matchups included games against Notre Dame, Penn State, and Alabama, drawing large crowds and contributing to the stadium's legacy in collegiate sports.

Boston College Games at Foxboro Stadium
Date	Visiting Team	Result	Home Team	Attendance
Nov 27, 1971	Boston College	21-7	Holy Cross	22,205
Sep 15, 1975	#9 Notre Dame	17-3	Boston College	61,501
Oct 29, 1983	Penn State	17-27	#19 Boston College	56,605
Nov 19, 1983	Holy Cross	7-47	#18 Boston College	38,512
Nov 26, 1983	#13 Alabama	13-20	#15 Boston College	58,047
Sep 22, 1984	North Carolina	20-52	#10 Boston College	44,672
Nov 17, 1984	Syracuse	16-24	#13 Boston College	60,890
Sep 14, 1985	#17 Maryland	31-13	Boston College	30,210
Sep 28, 1985	#1 Miami (FL)	45-10	Boston College	31,864
Sep 20, 1986	#5 Penn State	26-14	Boston College	42,329
Sep 26, 1987	#15 Penn State	27-17	Boston College	50,267

Concerts and Other Events

Beyond sports, Foxboro Stadium was a major concert venue, hosting legendary artists and festivals. It welcomed performers like U2, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Genesis, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Madonna, and Bob Dylan with the Grateful Dead. The stadium also hosted major music festivals such as the Monsters of Rock Tour and the Vans Warped Tour, as well as professional wrestling events like WWF King of the Ring.

The End of an Era

Obsolescence and Demolition

By the late 1990s, Foxboro Stadium was considered functionally obsolete compared to modern sports facilities. Despite its good sightlines and lack of multi-purpose stadium issues, it lacked essential modern amenities such as luxury boxes and adequate restroom facilities, which had become crucial revenue streams. The stadium's location also contributed to significant traffic congestion after events. After hosting the Patriots' final season in 2001, which culminated in their first Super Bowl victory, the stadium was demolished in late January 2002. Its site was later developed into parking for its successor, Gillette Stadium, and the Patriot Place shopping center.

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References

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional sports venue analysis or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding sports facility history, management, or event planning. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Foxboro Stadium: A New England Landmark

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Stadium History 📜

🏗️ Genesis and Construction

🏈 Home of the Patriots

⚽ Multi-Sport Venue

Seating Capacity 👥

📊 Capacity Over Time

Playing Surface 🌿

🔄 Evolution of the Field

Naming Rights Evolution 🏷️

➡️ From Schaefer to Sullivan to Foxboro

Notable Events 🎉

⚽ FIFA World Cups

⚽ MLS Finals & WUSA

🎓 College Football History

🎵 Concerts and Other Events

The End of an Era ⏳

📉 Obsolescence and Demolition

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Stadium History

Genesis and Construction

Home of the Patriots

Multi-Sport Venue

Seating Capacity

Capacity Over Time

Playing Surface

Evolution of the Field

Naming Rights Evolution

From Schaefer to Sullivan to Foxboro

Notable Events

FIFA World Cups

MLS Finals & WUSA

College Football History

Concerts and Other Events

The End of an Era

Obsolescence and Demolition

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice