2016 Copa America at Gillette Stadium: What You Need to Know

FOXBOROUGH, MA - One of the biggest soccer tournaments of the year is coming to Gillette Stadium.

Foxborough will play host to two pivotal matches of the 2016 Copa America tournament this weekend. Friday night at 7 p.m., defending champion Chile take on Bolivia in what is a must-win match for both teams. In the first match of the tournament, Chile fell to Argentina 2-1 while Bolivia lost to Panama by the same score. A loss mean tournament elimination for both teams.

In Sunday's 8:30 p.m. match, Brazil and Peru face off in what will be both teams' final match of the group stage. As it stands, Brazil and Peru both have four points, with Brazil taking the top spot on goal difference. Depending on what happens in the Ecuador-Haiti match, both sides can move on to the knockout round with a draw or even a loss if Haiti loses or draws with Ecuador.

To help you get ready for both international soccer clashes, here's what you need to know:

What is the Copa America?

Copa America serves as the South American soccer championship. All 10 members of the South American Football Confederation participate along with two invited countries. This year, a special 16-country tournament featuring the 10 usual teams and six teams from the North American federation known as CONCACAF is being held in America to celebrate the tournament's 100th anniversary.

Parking Lot Information

The Gillette Stadium parking lots open four hours before kickoff. Friday, they will be open at 3 p.m. and on Sunday, they open at 4:30 p.m. Parking at the stadium is as $40 for cars and motorcycles and $150 for RVs, limos, and buses. For more parking information, visit the Gillette Stadium parking FAQ.

Allow for Plenty of Time Around the Stadium

With large crowds expected for both matches and the evening commute overlapping with stadium traffic Friday, fans are encouraged to arrive early. Fans are asked to use Route 140, Interstate 95, and Interstate 495 to access Route 1.

Clear Bag Policy In Effect

Bags larger than a small wristlet or handheld wallet will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium, per the venue’s clear bag policy, which is in effect at all ticketed events. If carrying a bag into the stadium is necessary, there are two options: a clear plastic bag the size of a 1 gallon Ziploc bag or a small wristlet or handheld wallet not exceeding 8” x 5” x 2” (approximately the size of a hand).

Please note that bags larger than the permitted size, including purses, shoulder bags, diaper bags and backpacks, will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium on event day. Further, bags exceeding the permitted size will not be held or stored by the venue and must be returned to a vehicle before entering the stadium. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit http://www.gillettestadium.com/bagpolicy.

Banned Items

Prohibited items at Gillette Stadium include, but are not limited to: selfie sticks, GoPro cameras, camera bags, umbrellas, coolers, fanny packs, outside food and beverage, balloons or beach balls, noisemakers, signs larger than 11 x 17 and any other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate by stadium management. For more information on prohibited items, check the stadium security protocol.

What's At Stake?

Bolivia vs. Chile

As Group D stands after one match:

1. Argentina: 1-0-0, 3 points
2. Panama: 1-0-0, 3 points
3. Chile: 0-0-1, 0 points
4. Bolivia: 0-0-1, 0 points

Knockout Round Qualifying Scenarios

• Going into the second match, all four teams can still qualify for the knockout round. If Argentina and Panama draw, the losing team from the Chile vs. Bolivia match will be eliminated from knockout round contention.
• The winner of Chile-Bolivia will still be in contention, no matter the result of the Argentina-Panama match.
• A draw between Chile and Bolivia keeps both teams alive.

Brazil vs. Peru

As Group B stands after two matches:

1. Brazil: 1-1-0, 4 points
2. Peru: 1-1-0, 4 points
3. Ecuador: 0-2-0, 2 points
4. Haiti: 0-0-2, 0 points

Knockout Round Qualifying Scenarios

• If Brazil wins: They clinch a spot in the knockout round.
• If Peru wins: They clinch a spot in the knockout round.
• If Brazil and Peru draw: They clinch a spot in the knockout round if Ecuador and Haiti draw or Haiti wins. If Ecuador wins, there is a three-way tie for first place and the two teams with the best goal difference advance. If there remains a tie on goal difference, the next tie breaker is goals scored.
• The loser in the Brazil-Peru match can still clinch a spot in the knockout round if Haiti beats Ecuador or Haiti and Ecuador draw.

Information in this article provided by Gillette Stadium