Gillette Stadium Officials Offer Compromise on Lost Seat Revenue

When it comes to the lost revenue from seats removed from Gillette Stadium for the Optum Field Lounge, Kraft Group officials are asking the town to meet them halfway.

Selectmen Chairman Jim DeVellis told the selectmen Tuesday night that the stadium has offered to pay half of the town’s projected lost revenue from the renovation - about $15,000.

About 2,000 seats were removed from the north end zone to make way for the lounge area, which is accessible through an additional purchase by select season ticket holders. The town is expected to lose an estimated $30,000 in ticket fees from the removed seats.

Instead of receiving property taxes from the stadium, the town receives $1.47 per ticket sold for every Patriots and Revolution game. All other events have a $2.55 ticket fee.

“We’ve talked about some options for a compromise resolution. As of today, we think we’ve reached some middle ground,” Town Manager Bill Keegan said.

As of the meeting, no decision was made on whether to take the offer. According to DeVellis, Town Counsel Patrick Costello believes some money is owed to the town, but there is a gray area. DeVellis mentioned that the town’s options are to agree with the split or take town counsel’s opinion and prepare for mediation or litigation.

“This is an opportunity to have a conversation and help resolve the issue in the middle ground,” Keegan said. “The point that I made is that if we go to mediation, we’ll probably end up in the same place. I think it’s a good resolution and shows good faith on both sides.”

Selectman John Gray said that he is glad the board is talking, while noting the changing business model of the stadium.

“Seems like it’s more about entertainment and hospitality than football,” he said.

Both Selectmen Chris Mitchell and David Feldman appeared to lack the appetite for litigation, opting for dialogue.

“Through dialogue we can accomplish a lot. When you get the lawyers involved and start pointing fingers, nothing good comes of it,” Feldman said.

Feldman added that the discussions should produce language that protects the town and eliminates the gray area.

Selectman Ginny Coppola noted that during a recent tour of the changes at the stadium, some residents commented on the amount of seats removed from the end zone for the lounge

“A number of people took me aside and said I agree with you on the lounge, they took out a lot of seats. We’re not just thinking about this, it’s something the people of Foxborough are aware of,” she said.

The offer from the stadium would only apply to the current season while both sides work on a compromise. Any proposed amendments to the lease would have to be approved at a future town meeting.