In the world of sports and entertainment, there's an ongoing pursuit to provide fans with an unforgettable experience. Gillette Stadium, home to the New England Patriots and New England Revolution, has long been a stronghold of thrilling sports moments and exhilarating concerts. Now, the Kraft family is elevating its game once more with a comprehensive renovation project that's making waves in the NFL and furthering its commitment to New England.
The transformation of the north end of the stadium is a move that promises to redefine the fan experience. One of the most striking changes comes in the form of a colossal video board, the largest outdoor, curved video board in the NFL. The renovations also include a reimagined entrance plaza including a new grand staircase, new premium spaces including the G-P Atrium and Bud Light Celebration Beer Hall, and a new lighthouse. At 218 feet tall, the lighthouse, the tallest non-water lighthouse in the U.S., will provide breathtaking views of Boston and Providence.
On September 7, VHB attended the official ribbon-cutting ceremony along with members of the Kraft family, Populous, Suffolk Construction, and other key stakeholders. With a pivotal role in this full north end renovation, VHB supported a two-year construction schedule while keeping the stadium open during football seasons and concerts. The project includes an enhanced plaza and new security and ticketing systems that streamline the fan entry process. Canopies have been added to make mobile ticketing faster and security checks more efficient. The state-of-the-art scanners now allow fans to breeze through ticket and security screenings, further enhancing the overall experience. The entire area now boasts improved pedestrian pathways and enhanced drainage systems that both look good and serve a practical purpose.
While the renovations aim to refresh the venue, they also introduce new elements. The addition of a new event space and a field-level event space with windows along the tunnel offers fans more options to enjoy their time at the stadium. While the project doesn't increase seating capacity; it rather focuses on improving amenities and the overall fan experience.
The North End Renovation project represents yet another opportunity for collaboration between VHB, Populous, and The Kraft Group. Since Patriot Place's inception in 2005, VHB’s integral involvement on a multitude of projects in and around Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place has continuously evolved, making certain that the area remains a thriving hub for entertainment and sports. “VHB is honored by the opportunity to partner with the Kraft Group on the North End Zone Stadium and Plaza improvements. The finished project is truly remarkable,” says Rich Hollworth, VHB Principal supporting the Project.
The Gillette Stadium North End Zone renovation is a testament to the dedication of the Kraft Family to provide fans with an exceptional experience, a fusion of modern amenities, and historical significance. As construction continues, fans eagerly await to ascend the towering lighthouse, expected to open October 1. The lighthouse—an emblem of this bold vision for Gillette Stadium's future—will be open to the public during non-event days.
To learn more about this project, contact Rich Hollworth or Brittany Gesner.
