The Patriots are raising ticket prices following their sub-.500 campaign.
But the story is a little more nuanced than that.
The team announced Wednesday it’s increasing ticket prices ahead of the 2023 season, their first stadium-wide hike in 15 years. The Patriots say 15 percent of seats at Gillette Stadium haven’t sustained a prince increase since 2008, while 44 percent of seats have seen one price increase since then.
In order to offset ticket cost, the Patriots announced some changes to their parking rate structure. Parking passes for season-ticket holders who park on the east side of Route 1 will cost $25 per game, down substantially from last season’s future of $80.
Parking on the west side of the stadium, previously $50, will now be free.
The Patriots will also offer fans $50 gift cards if they park in the delayed-release lots, and don’t leave Gillette Stadium until 75 minutes after the game. The delayed-release lots are supposed to help with the congestion nightmare that forms on Route 1 after each game.
In addition to (hopefully) an improved product on the field, fans should enjoy an improved in-game experience at Gillette next season. A $225-million stadium renovation is expected to be completed before the 2023 campaign.