Pats expand free game parking option

Step right up. There’s free parking being offered at Gillette Stadium this season. And, along with the free parking program, the Patriots are also reducing parking prices at 75 percent of the public lots.

First, let’s explain what’s free.

After a successful pilot program last year, the Patriots are bringing back a free parking option for those who sign up to park in a delayed release lot (75 min. after the game).

“It’s the only free parking lot of its kind,” said Stacey James, vice president of media relations. “We’re always looking for an opportunity to increase the efficiency of access and egress.”

Last season, team president Jonathan Kraft proposed the delayed-released lot which was implemented for several of the home games to season ticketholders only.

It also had the same 75minute time frame for cars to be held before leaving.

“What we got back in terms of reaction to that was phenomenal,” said James. “It was very successful last year, so we’re going to implement it as a seasonlong thing this year.”

Along with season ticketholders, the program is now open to everyone. Fans can sign up on the Gillette Stadium website (www.GilletteStadium.com).

As for the price reduction in parking, here’s the breakdown:

Parking on the other side of Route 1 (across the street from the stadium) will go down (from $40) to either $30 per space, or the option of parking in the delayed release lot for free.

Prices on the stadium side of Route 1 will remain at $40 for preseason games, but will go up to $60 (from $40) for the eight regular season games (there is a 10% discount if you purchase a season pass, or $504 for all 10 games, guaranteeing a parking space regardless of your arrival time).