Foxborough is 'Ready for Some Football'

Foxborough is ready for Patriot football but one major question still remains - is football ready for Foxborough?

Gillette Stadium is set to host 8 regular New England Patriot home games for the upcoming 2011/2012 NFL season. The first home game at Gillette will take place on September 18 at 4:15pm against the San Diego Chargers.

After a thorough review of the event details by Police Chief Edward O'Leary, Fire Chief Roger P. Hatfield and the stadium advisory committee, Foxborough's board of selectmen voted 4-0, May 24, to approve the request for two pre-season, eight regular season and 2 postseason Patriot games for 2011/2012 season. 

Foxborough's Town Manager, Kevin Paicos, noted that "the NFL security audit for Gillette Stadium commended Foxborough's law enforcement measures highly." Joel F. Angelico, Co-Vice Chairman of the Stadium Advisory Committee, added that several law enforcement officials from Foxborough will be attending an NFL Security Seminar in Florida to be trained further in security and fan conduct.

With the board's approval of Patriot home games and potential playoff games by a vote of 4-0, it almost appeared as a normal football season was about to get underway. However, Selectmen James J. DeVellis gave a grave reminder that there is still the possibility of no football for the 2011/2012 season.

"Still not a season yet," said DeVellis. "We need to have a discussion about if we lose a couple games/complete season how does that impact the budget."