Gillette Stadium is one of New England’s most recognisable sports venues and home to the New England Patriots. Located in Foxborough, roughly halfway between Boston and Providence, it hosts NFL games, major concerts and international sporting events — and will be one of the key venues for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Its out-of-town location and high attendance levels mean bag rules and security procedures are enforced very strictly.
The Foxborough setting & matchday vibe
Gillette Stadium sits within the Patriot Place complex, a large open-air development featuring restaurants, bars and retail outlets. On event days, this area becomes the main gathering point for fans before and after games, with a lively but tightly managed atmosphere.
Unlike city-centre stadiums, there are limited alternative options nearby if you arrive unprepared. Once you’re in Foxborough and within the event zone, dealing with oversized bags becomes very difficult — planning ahead is essential.
Book your luggage storage with Stasher before travelling to Foxborough if you’re carrying anything more than a small personal bag.
Gillette Stadium bag policy
Gillette Stadium enforces a clear bag policy, in line with NFL and major international event standards. Visitors should expect:
- Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12” × 6” × 12”.
- One-gallon clear resealable freezer bags.
- Small clutch-style purses, roughly hand-sized, with or without a strap.
Backpacks, large handbags, camera bags, suitcases and travel luggage are not permitted. All bags are searched on entry, and there is no on-site luggage storage available for items that don’t meet the requirements.
World Cup 2026: what visiting fans should know
Gillette Stadium is scheduled to host seven matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026, making it the primary New England venue for the tournament. With the expanded 48-team format bringing more matches and supporters than ever before, Foxborough will see heavy international footfall throughout June and July.
World Cup matchdays here will feel different from regular NFL games. Expect enhanced security perimeters, longer entry queues and carefully managed arrival routes into Patriot Place. Because the stadium is not embedded in a city centre, transport planning is especially important — delays on matchdays can quickly cascade if you arrive late.
Many visitors will base themselves in Boston and travel out to Foxborough on matchdays. This makes pre-match planning crucial: eating in the city, storing luggage ahead of time and allowing generous travel buffers will significantly improve your experience.
Getting to Gillette Stadium
On major event days, special commuter rail services typically run from Boston’s South Station directly to Foxborough, alongside organised coach and shuttle services. Driving is possible, but traffic congestion around Patriot Place can be severe. Public transport or official shuttles are generally the most reliable option for large international events.
Travelling with luggage on matchday
Many World Cup fans will attend matches on arrival or departure days, often coming directly from Boston Logan International Airport or after checking out of accommodation. With no luggage storage at the stadium and a strict clear-bag policy, bringing suitcases or large backpacks to Gillette Stadium is not feasible.
Book your luggage storage for Gillette Stadium now if you’re travelling with luggage or between hotels.
Storing bags before heading to Foxborough
A common strategy is to store luggage in Boston before travelling out to the stadium. This allows you to enjoy the city’s historic neighbourhoods, grab food in areas like Back Bay or the Seaport, and make the journey to Foxborough with just an approved clear bag.
Book your luggage storage for Gillette Stadium now and focus on the World Cup atmosphere rather than your bags.
Local tips for visiting fans
- Eat in Boston before travelling — food options are better and more varied in the city.
- Use official train or shuttle services where possible; road traffic builds quickly on matchdays.
- Arrive early — Foxborough crowds peak well before kick-off.
- Plan your return journey in advance, as post-match queues can be lengthy.
Gillette Stadium enforces a strict clear-bag policy and does not provide on-site luggage storage. With seven World Cup 2026 matches scheduled here and its out-of-town location, advance planning is essential. By storing luggage in Boston, travelling light and planning transport carefully, you’ll enjoy a far smoother World Cup experience in New England.
