A Guide to AFC Championship Weekend at Patriot Place

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots are on to the AFC Championship Game for the fourth consecutive season after a thrilling 35-31 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in last weekend’s AFC Divisional Game at Gillette Stadium. As the team prepares to host its third AFC title game in four years, Patriot Place is offering fans plenty of ways to get playoff ready for Sunday’s showdown against the Indianapolis Colts (6:40 p.m. kickoff).

VISIT THE HALL

The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday. You can view the Patriots’ three Vince Lombardi trophies, seven AFC Championship trophies, take a photo on a Super Bowl Parade Duck Boat and enjoy the feature film, “Patriots Way” from inside The Hall’s Raytheon Theater. Even fans from Indianapolis can enjoy The Hall, as interactive exhibits allow patrons to kick a field goal, listen-in on the coach-to-quarterback communication and test their vertical leap. Visit www.thehallatpatriotplace.com for ticket prices and more information.

Additionally, The Hall is chronicling the 2014 season as it unfolds through an exhibit that displays artifacts from milestones and record-setting performances that occur this season. Artifacts currently on display include:

• The jersey worn by Tom Brady when he eclipsed 50,000 career passing yards on Oct. 5 against the Bengals in Week 5, along with the ball he threw to accomplish the feat.
• The gloves worn by defensive lineman Chris Jones and the ball he blocked during a game-winning field goal attempt to preserve a Patriots’ 27-25 victory over the New York Jets in Week 7 on “Thursday Night Football.”
• The gloves and jersey worn by Gronkowski when he caught his 50th career touchdown pass in his 59th career game on Nov. 2 against the Broncos. Gronkowski became the second-fastest player (tied with Randy Moss) to reach the 50-touchdown reception plateau. Gronkowski wore the same jersey on Oct. 26 against the Chicago Bears, when he teamed with Brady to set a franchise record for most touchdown connections between a quarterback and receiver of any position. The tandem entered the game having connected for 45 career touchdowns (tied with Drew Bledsoe and Ben Coates for most in franchise history), but Gronkowski’s three touchdown receptions against the Bears established a new team record.
• The headset worn by head coach Bill Belichick during his 200th career regular-season win against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.
• The game-worn jersey and ball running back Jonas Gray carried to score his fourth touchdown of a career-best performance against Indianapolis in Week 11. Gray finished the game with 201 rushing yards and scored a team-record four rushing touchdowns with one touchdown in each quarter. Gray’s performance earned him the NFL’s AFC Offensive Player of the Week award for Week 11.
• The jersey worn by Stephen Gostkowski and the ball he kicked in a Week 15 win against the Dolphins to surpass Adam Vinatieri as the Patriots all-time leading scorer.

You can also see the featured exhibit, “New England Faithful: 20 Seasons with the Krafts,” which looks back at the Kraft family’s first 20 years of ownership and highlights the team’s and the owner’s many accomplishments over two decades. The exhibit touches on Robert Kraft’s purchase of the team and its rise to prominence in the NFL.

ENJOY A GREAT MEAL

Patriot Place features 17 dine-in restaurant options, with everything to satisfy a hungry football fan – from sushi to burgers to fine dining. See the options at www.patriot-place.com.

GEAR UP FOR THE GAME

Gear up for the AFC Championship by visiting the Patriots ProShop, the official team store of the New England Patriots, which features the widest selection of authentic Patriots merchandise available anywhere, as well as all of the official AFC Championship gear for fans of both teams. Additional gear can be found at the following Patriot Place retailers: The ProShop Collection, Olympia Sports, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, Alex and Ani and CVS Pharmacy.

WIN CBS SCENE’S AFC CHAMPIONSHIP PACKAGE

Visit CBS Scene at Patriot Place from now until Jan. 16 to enter for a chance to win an AFC Championship Game day reservation for two and a $50 CBS Scene gift card. Visit the restaurant for more details.

WATCH THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ON TV

Prior to Sunday night’s game at Gillette Stadium, fans of both the Patriots and Colts will want to see who emerges from the NFC to face the AFC champion in Super Bowl XLIX. The game, which kicks off at 3:05 p.m., will be on HDTVs throughout Patriot Place, from restaurants and bars to CBS Scene’s giant outdoor screen, which can be seen from NRG Plaza outside Gillette Stadium.

STOCK UP FOR YOUR AFC CHAMPIONSHIP VIEWING PARTY

Hosting a viewing party Sunday? Trader Joe’s offers a wide array of pre-made appetizers and snacks to please almost any appetite. If your guests have a sweet tooth, then you will want to stop by Cupcake Charlie’s, which offers “Tailgating Cupcakes” – a six-pack of Patriots-themed cupcakes. For more information on how to order, visit www.patriot-place.com/offers/Cupcake-Charlies-Tailgating-Cupcakes_5067#.VLW74WddVtg.

ICE SKATING IN THE SHADOW OF GILLETTE STADIUM

Winter Skate at Patriot Place presented by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, an outdoor ice skating rink designed for recreational skating, is offering a free skate to anyone in Patriots gear on Sunday from 11 a.m. to kickoff (6:40 p.m.) will be open Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Bundle up, have some fun and get some exercise on the professionally-maintained ice surface. You don’t even have to pack your skates, as on-site rentals are available. Visit www.patriot-place.com/winterskate#.VLW7VmddVtg for rates and info.

GO ON AN ADVENTURE

A 5 Wits adventure into the world of “Espionage” or “20,000 Leagues” will fully immerse you in a vibrant, interactive experience that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. You’ll have to solve puzzles, explore new spaces and discover the details of your unique story. Every puzzle you solve, challenge you conquer and mistake you make will change the outcome of the experience, so stay sharp and move fast! For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com/espionage or www.patriot-place.com/20000leagues.

ROLL IN AND ROCK OUT AT RETRO BOWLING AND ENTERAINMENT VENUE

Splitsville Luxury Lanes and Howl at the Moon offers a whole new spin on bowling and entertainment at Patriot Place. The 20,000-square-foot bowling and dining concept features 12 luxury lanes, ample indoor seating and a menu that combines upscale offerings with traditional favorites. Howl at the Moon entertainers will take the stage Saturday at 8 p.m. to provide a high energy live entertainment experience. Howl at the Moon’s unique show is centered around a party with dance hits performed on pianos, guitars, drums and more to create a non-stop atmosphere within Splitsville. For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com/splitsvilleHowl.

CATCH DINNER AND A MOVIE

Visit Showcase Cinema de Lux Patriot Place for the best in comfort while viewing the latest movie releases. The 14-screen theatre offers a variety of dining options and features digital cinema on every screen. For a list of showtimes, visit www.showcasecinemas.com/theatre/11060/showcase-cinema-de-lux-patriot-place/foxboro/ma.

EXPERIENCE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Patriot Place is also home to New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, which features a nature trail and cranberry bog behind the store. For more information, www.patriot-place.com/bassproshops.