15 years ago today, Foxboro Stadium was torn down

AP Photo | Elise Amendola

The New England Patriots had a lot of home field transitions before Gillette Stadium came to be.

The team used to play in Fenway Park, Boston College and Harvard before moving to the town of Foxborough. Even once they found a home city, finding a permanent stadium was no easy task either.

In the 1970s, the Patriots’ home field was named Shaefer Stadium. Then it switched to Sullivan Stadium in the 1980s, then to Foxboro Stadium in 1990.

Even before Gillette became Gillette, it was to be named CMGI Field – named after an internet company based in Andover, Mass. But the final name switch to Gillette Stadium came in August of 2002.

Foxboro Stadium lasted until June 1, 2002, when it was demolished for good. In fact, today marks 15 years since it was torn down. During its prime, Foxboro Stadium included aluminum benches and only select chair-back seats. The facility wasn’t known for its great features, but it did produce significant crowds and special memories.

And before it was torn down, it surely went out with a bang.

Its final game was a crazy one, with the Patriots and the Oakland Raiders going face to face in what became known as the “Snow Bowl.” On Jan. 19, 2002, the Pats won the AFC Divisional round playoff game in thrilling fashion, with a score of 16-13 in overtime.

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