Foxborough Fights Back Against Stadium Fee Lawsuit

Foxborough has taken a firm stand after the Kraft Group and the New England Patriots sued the town over new fees tied to Gillette Stadium’s entertainment license.

The Town’s Counterattack

• 61‑page reply and counterclaim: Foxborough asks the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the companies are already contractually required to cover public safety costs for stadium events.
• Public‑safety argument: The town insists that taxpayers should not shoulder the burden of safety services for the 70+ events held annually.
• Contractual clarity: Foxborough claims that the payments in question are reimbursements built into the long‑standing lease, not extra licensing fees.

The Original Lawsuit

• Filed on June 15: Kraft Sports & Entertainment, the Patriots, and related entities accused Foxborough of misusing its state‑granted license power.
• $1 million claim: They alleged the town was forcing them to pay about $1 million more each year, citing a state cap of $100 on entertainment fees.
• State law loophole: The companies argued that the state’s licensing structure created a loophole for additional fees.

Foxborough’s Counterclaim Highlights

• Implied covenant of good faith: The town claims the original suit breaches this covenant, harming residents and event attendees.
• Frivolous nature: Foxborough requests that the court award it costs and fees, labeling the lawsuit as frivolous.
• Contractual obligations: The town demands that stadium owners honor their contractual duties, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup match on the horizon.

The Bigger Picture

Despite the legal clash, Foxborough remains committed to keeping Gillette Stadium safe and operational. The town’s stance underscores a broader debate over how public safety costs should be shared between municipalities and large event venues.