Official Ticket Marketplace of the New England Patriots
New England Patriots History
Originally known as the Boston Patriots, the New England Patriots were the eighth and final franchise to join the American Football League in 1959. After joining the NFL during the 1970 AFL/NFL merger, they changed their name and moved to Foxborough in 1971.?
Producing some of the league's greatest players — from AFL MVPs Gino Cappelletti and Jim Nance, to future Pro Football Hall of Famers John Hannah, Mike Haynes and Andre Tippett — the Patriots have fielded more than a few successful teams. The 1978 team won 11 games while setting a then-NFL rushing record that stood for 40-plus years with 3,165 yards. That year, the team's 11 wins tied the franchise record and earned the Patriots their second division title in team history and an opportunity to host their first home playoff game.?
On Jan. 21, 1994, Kraft bought the Patriots from St. Louis native James Orthwein, keeping the franchise in New England. The Patriots went to the playoffs four out of the next five seasons and have become a modern-era dynasty, recording more than 20 seasons with at least 10 wins since Kraft purchased the team. Under the leadership of quarterback Tom Brady and Head Coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots dominated the division from 2001 to 2018, making nine Super Bowl appearances and winning six championships.
The Patriots are currently tied with the Steelers for the most Super Bowl wins in the NFL with six. The Patriots hold the NFL record for the most Super Bowl appearances with 11.?
New England Patriots Team Info
Conference: AFC
Division: East
Year Founded: 1959
Team Colors: Nautical Blue, Red, New Century Silver, White
Mascot: Pat Patriot
Team Rivals: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets
New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium is located between Boston and Providence in suburban Foxborough, Mass. The stadium officially opened on September 9, 2002, when the Patriots made their regular-season debut by unveiling the franchise's first Super Bowl banner and celebrated a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since then, Patriots fans have helped create a home-field advantage that is unrivaled in the NFL, as the Patriots have won more regular season and postseason games at home than any other team.?
The Patriots’ home-field success has helped power a dynasty that has consistently propelled the Patriots into the playoffs. Since 2002, Gillette Stadium has hosted 23 playoff games, including seven AFC Championship Games.
Learn more about Gillette Stadium here.