Fences go up, sign covered at Gillette ahead of FIFA World Cup

FOXBOROUGH, Mass (WJAR) — With just weeks to go until the FIFA World Cup kicks off, a sudden wave of intense security measures has completely reshaped the stadium grounds.

FIFA has officially taken over, temporarily rebranding the home of the Patriots as “Boston Stadium” for the tournament.

The makeover has forced the iconic blue Gillette signs under heavy tarps, but it’s the brand-new security infrastructure that is making local regulars do a double-take.

Martha Konstandinidis reports on changes to Gillette Stadium ahead of the FIFA World Cup. (WJAR)

Massive security gates have snaked around the facility were installed over the last week, standing at more than double the size of an average person.

Anchored by heavy concrete slabs, the fences have created strict, walled-off zones.

Walkways that local families have navigated easily for decades are suddenly completely blocked.

The changes resulted in the stadium’s famous pro shop getting booted from its permanent home.

To keep it accessible to the public, the shop had to be temporarily moved entirely across the street, right next to Trader Joe’s.

For some neighbors, the shift has been a bit jarring.

“We’re not going to come anywhere near this place,” Norfolk native Bob Kilroy said.

While the massive changes have some locals planning to stay away, others say there is nothing wrong with the extra security.

“I like it,” said Callie Royster of Attleboro. “Just nothing wrong with extra security. Just a little extra like the gates and stuff, it’s going to take less off their plates so they can focus more on what they really need to focus on.”

As for the rest of the plaza, executives at Patriot Place stress that it is still business as usual for everyday shoppers.

The strict FIFA security measures and temporary name change will remain locked in place through the final matches in Foxborough this July.