Real estate and construction company Suffolk has been selected as the construction partner for a major renovation project at Gillette Stadium, home of the NFL’s New England Patriots.
The Patriots announced in December that Gillette Stadium, which also serves as the home of Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution, will undergo its biggest revamp since opening in 2002.
The plans will focus on the north end of the stadium, with improvements to include the introduction of the country’s largest outdoor stadium video board.
Kraft Group, which owns Gillette Stadium, the Patriots and the Revolution, has now selected Suffolk as the construction partner for the renovation as work officially begins on the project this week.
The renovation includes a completely reimagined plaza leading into the stadium, including a new and enhanced lighthouse. Inside the stadium, a prominent new HD video board will be added, along with new and improved concession locations and other fan amenities.
The north end transformation will centre on 75,000 square feet of glass-enclosed, year-round hospitality and function spaces. All levels of the stadium will also have 360-degree connectivity, a feature that is currently only available on the main concourse.
The HD video board will measure 370 feet by 60 feet and will be nearly double the size of the new south end zone video board, which debuted in July. The new board will provide game action, replays, statistics and fantasy football updates.
The new development will also see Gillette Stadium’s lighthouse be replaced with a larger, more prominent structure that will stand 218 feet high, complete with a 360-degree observation deck at the top.
The fan entrance at the north end of the stadium will also be revitalised, with plans including a relocation of the entry gates to create a new fan activation area upon entry to the lower plaza. A landscaped staircase will lead guests up to the main concourse.
“Suffolk is thrilled to be chosen by the Kraft Group to manage this extensive renovation of the iconic Gillette Stadium,” said Jeff Gouveia, general manager of Suffolk Northeast. “We are honoured the Kraft family has entrusted us with this important project, and we look forward to playing a key role in enhancing the experience for Patriots and Revolution fans and event participants at Gillette Stadium for many years to come.”
In Gillette Stadium’s first 20 years, the Kraft family invested more than $300m (£222m/€266m) on stadium enhancements. The Patriots said the new project, including the south end zone improvements made last offseason, will total an additional $225m investment.
The construction is scheduled for completion prior to the 2023 NFL season.
Image: New England Patriots
