In an about-face, FIFA will allow tailgating for World Cup games at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., the Boston World Cup host committee announced on Monday.
FIFA originally stated that tailgating would not be allowed at any of the 104 matches, which will be played June 11-July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Gillette Stadium will host five group-stage matches, one round-of-32 match and a quarterfinal match at the home of the NFL’s New England Patriots.
Patriots games, New England Revolution games and concerts allow tailgating at the stadium, and “there are no venue restrictions or local public safety restrictions in place that would prohibit it,” according to the committee.
While tailgating will be allowed, fewer fans will be able to participate as there are 15,000 fewer parking spots available to the public for World Cup games (5,000) compared to Patriots games (20,000).
The Metro Boston Transit Authority charges $20 round trip from Boston to Foxborough for NFL and MLS games, but the fee for World Cup games is $80. Fans will also have the option to take an express bus for $95 round trip from Boston-area locations to Gillette Stadium.
New York City announced on Monday that a fan fest for each of the city’s five boroughs will be held in conjunction with World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J., where the MLS’ New York Red Bulls play, will also hold a fan event. Other host cities are planning similar events.
–Field Level Media
