Thursday’s friendly match between France and Brazil at Gillette Stadium was seen as a major test event before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While many fans who traveled to the Boston area enjoyed the match, which France won 2-1, getting to and from the stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, is emerging as a big concern for visitors.
Some who took the train from Boston reported a smoother trip, while others who drove faced heavy traffic and long delays.
French fan John Ilunga, who described it as “a wonderful game,” almost didn’t make it.
“I thought Boston was closer to the stadium, but I guess I was wrong,” he said.
It took Ilunga an hour and a half to make the trip.
“It wasn’t far, the traffic was very bad,” he said. “That was not a great experience.”
People are being urged to use the MBTA Commuter Rail this summer, when Gillette Stadium — which will be temporarily renamed “Boston Stadium” — hosts seven matches.
Thursday gave the MBTA a chance to practice logistics for this summer.
“The MBTA sold over 3,000 tickets for the Friendly Match March 26,” the MBTA said in a statement after the match. “This includes over 300 tickets sold to fans who purchased while at Foxboro who decided to ride the train back to Boston after the match. The MBTA and Keolis learned a lot through the queuing process and will adjust operations to create an even more efficient process.”
The Athletic is reporting train ticket prices could be $75 per person.
Travel experts say its important the MBTA emphasize public messaging that out-of-towners use the commuter rail.
More on the World Cup
Source: News – Boston – necn
