Patriots vs. Jaguars Preseason 2017: What You Need to Know

FOXBOROUGH, MA — After weeks of training camp and OTAs, the New England Patriots are ready to return to the field Thursday night.

The Patriots will host the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 1 of the NFL preseason. The game follows a week of joint practices.

The Patriots and Jaguars will square off for just the third time in the preseason, with the two teams splitting their first two meetings. New England defeated Jacksonville, 47-12, in their most recent meeting (Aug. 11, 2011), while the Jaguars won their initial preseason matchup, 31-0 (Sept. 2, 2004). Overall, the Patriots own a 10-1 record in regular and postseason play against the Jaguars, including 3-1 in the playoffs. The two teams most recently met at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 27, 2015, when New England scored a 51-17 victory.

To help you get ready for the game, here's what you need to know:

Kickoff Time

Thursday's game will start at 7:30 p.m.

Broadcast Information

TELEVISION: This week’s game will be broadcast by the Patriots Preseason Television Network and can be seen in every New England state, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. The preseason network’s flagship station is WBZ-TV CBS in Boston. WBZ-TV’s Dan Roche provides play-by-play and is joined by former Patriots tight end Christian Fauria in the broadcast booth. Former Patriots linebacker Matt Chatham will provide sideline analysis along with WBZ-TV’s Steve Burton. Patriots Football Weekly’s beat writers Paul Perillo and Andy Hart will also provide insight and analysis.

RADIO: 98.5 FM, The Sports Hub, is the flagship station for the Patriots Radio Network. A complete listing of the network’s 40 stations can be found in this press release. Playby-play broadcaster Bob Socci will call the action along with former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak, who will provide color analysis. The games are produced by Marc Cappello.

Stadium parking lots open at 3:30 p.m. Parking is $40 for cars and motorcycles and $150 for buses, RVs and limos. For more parking information, visit the Gillette Stadium parking FAQ.

Allow for Plenty of Time Around the Stadium

With a the arrival of near-capacity crowd overlapping with the evening commute, fans are encouraged to arrive early to allow for plenty of time when traveling near the stadium. The usual traffic restrictions will be in place on local roads before and after the show. Fans must use Interstate 95, Interstate 495 or Route 140 to access Route 1 and Gillette Stadium.

Clear Bag Policy In Effect

Fans attending the game are reminded that 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, click here.

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.

If You Need Help

Guest service booths located on the 100- and 300-level concourses at midfield/50-yard line for all stadium events. If you need immediate assistance during the event, please contact the stadium hotline at 508-384-9205.

If you require anonymous assistance during the event for behavioral or conduct related matters, please send security operations a text message at 508-928-3838 or text the word, CONDUCT to 78247 followed by all the relevant details.

Information in this article was provided by the New England Patriots/Gillette Stadium

Image Credit: AP Photo/Steven Senne