Status of NFL Lockout Looms over Foxborough

With time running out on the NFL's labor contract, local community organizations, restaurants and businesses are waiting to hear if football is in the future for Foxborough. 

Town officials, restaurants, hotels, businesses and community groups are anxious over the thought of an empty Gillette Stadium come late summer/early fall.  

Many local businesses and community groups rely on the extra financial boost from home and away Patriot games. Small community groups utilize Patriot games, in which they park cars and work in concession stands, for essential fundraising efforts. 

Joe Fillion, who is in charge of the Rotary Foundation for the Foxboro Rotary Club, told Patch that most of their fundraising efforts are done during Patriots games.

"Game days are our lifeline. We are very concerned," said Fillion.

Local school groups, such as the Stonehill College Dance Team, have also used Patriots games as a way to help fund their competition efforts.

According to ESPN reports, talks between the NFL and the Players' Association resumed this week in New York. ESPN has also reported that there has been progress made on the revenue split issue, however there are still decisions that need to be made on the rookie cap and how those savings would be used. 

The deadline for an agreement between both parties is July 15, which is cutting it close to the start of the NFL pre-season. But still, even if the deadline is reached, there is still work to be done regarding agreement paperwork and settlements which could take an extra 5-10 days. The Patriots are scheduled to begin training camp on July 28 and have a preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 11. 

Fillion along with other town and school community groups are hoping July 15 will bring good news, and that football and fundraising will continue on as usual in Foxborough.