One Space 'Off-Limits' At Boston Stadium Ahead Of World Cup

One Space ‘Off-Limits’ At Boston Stadium Ahead Of World Cup originally appeared on NESN.
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Gillette Stadium, which will be known as “Boston Stadium” throughout the FIFA World Cup, had to make plenty of changes throughout the stadium.

Most notably, the stadium will undergo a makeover, covering mentions of Gillette Stadium. The playing surface also underwent a massive overhaul, with the synthetic turf exchanged for a grass field for the first time in 20 years. 

Despite all the changes, one space will be “off-limits” at Boston Stadium throughout the seven games hosted for the international tournament, as the New England Patriots’ locker room will not be used.

“While the Patriots have spent the last few weeks holding organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp practices in the fields behind Gillette Stadium, FIFA has augmented several areas of New England’s arena,” Boston.com’s Conor Ryan wrote on Thursday. “The Patriots’ film room has been converted into FIFA’s press conference area — with the cushioned seats designed to hold a full NFL roster removed and replaced with more standard seats for media and soccer officials.

“The Patriots’ locker room is off limits for the teams set to call Boston Stadium home over the next few weeks, with both the Revolution’s locker room and the NFL visiting team’s locker room converted into the two dressing areas of World Cup clubs.​”

Though other areas, including the film room, will be augmented for the World Cup, FIFA requires neutral, balanced team facilities. Using the Patriots’ locker room would imbalance the amenities provided to opposing teams. 

More NESN: Boston’s World Cup Volunteer Rollout Plan Has Felt ‘Amateurish’