Gillette Stadium - pro tips for concert parking?

Question

We're headed to a concert at Gillette soon (Taylor Swift!) and are looking for tips on parking. It would be nice if there were some sort of tailgating scene but we're flexible. I've heard nightmare stories about it taking hours to get out of the lot. We'll ultimately be headed north if that matters for parking.

Answer

Attending a concert at Gillette Stadium, especially a major one like Taylor Swift, requires some planning for parking and exiting. Here’s a detailed guide based on experiences from past concertgoers:

Gillette Stadium offers multiple parking lots, with options for general admission, premium, and ADA accessible parking. Most lots are close to the stadium but can fill up quickly, and leaving after a concert can take a significant amount of time, often 1–2 hours, depending on the crowd and exit routes.

Here are some tips to make your parking and tailgating experience smoother:

Consider purchasing a parking pass in advance through the Gillette Stadium website or official ticketing partners. This ensures a reserved spot and may save you time compared to arriving without a pass.
Arrive early if you want to tailgate. Fans often start several hours before the event, creating a lively scene in lots closest to the stadium.
If tailgating isn’t a priority, arriving closer to showtime can allow you to park in outer lots, which may be less crowded and facilitate a quicker exit afterward.
Follow signage for specific lots assigned by your pass, as this helps with traffic flow and reduces frustration when leaving.

Alternative options to traditional parking:

Use ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. Drop-off and pick-up areas are designated and can save the hassle of post-concert traffic. Just plan for some waiting time after the show as demand is high.
Check if local hotels near Gillette offer shuttle services for event-goers. Some hotels provide transportation packages that include concert parking or shuttles to reduce parking stress.
Consider parking further away in public lots or park-and-ride areas and using shuttles to the stadium. This can be cheaper and faster for exit purposes.

Since you mentioned heading north after the concert, you may want to park in lots with quicker access to I-495 North. Lots on the south or west side may require navigating through more congested exits, potentially adding to your travel time.

In summary, advance planning, early arrival, and considering alternative transportation options can make your Gillette Stadium concert experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Gillette Stadium - pro tips for concert parking?

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