New England Patriots

Get to the lot at least 4 hours before kickoff. The parking lot opens 4 hours prior. Bring a grill and cook - stadium food is pricey and the tailgate scene is the best part.

Park before you reach the stadium on Route 1, don't go past it. There are private lots and the Dunkin' Donuts lot about a minute past the stadium that regulars use.

Boston Common Coach runs a bus from downtown Boston to Gillette. $80 a ticket but the bus gets you there 3 hours early with seating and coolers for tailgating (BYOB) and gets you back downtown.

Wear very warm socks for late-season games. Even if you dress warm up top, your feet will be numb by the 4th quarter. It's brutal pulling out of the lot after the game too - plan to wait.

If you sit in the 100 level try to be about 20 rows back. Usually cheaper than front row and you get the best of both worlds - better view and still really close to the field.

Enter by 11:45 and you will avoid lines at the metal detectors and ticket scanning. You can then find an open seat in the 100s and watch warmups. Remember the color of the line you follow to get in.

The restaurants at Patriot Place will be mobbed on game day. Don't count on getting into those unless you arrive very early. Bringing food and tailgating in the lot works best.

If you don't tailgate, get an edge/perimeter parking row so you can set up and break down easily, and you'll be closer to the walking paths to the stadium.

Check the bag policy before you go - they're strict. Nothing worse than having to toss your stuff at the gate.

All concessions inside Gillette are cashless, credit/debit cards and mobile pay only.