New Practice Fields Would Keep Revolution Operation In Foxborough

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Based on the words of a Kraft Group representative at a recent economic development committee hearing on Foxborough zoning bylaws, the New England Revolution would at least maintain a presence in Foxborough if they get a few practice fields on Route 1.

The proposed fields would go in front of the planning board if town meeting approves a series of zoning changes for Route 1, including one to allow more recreational fields and outdoor athletic facilities.

The zoning change for outdoor athletics fields is being supported by the Revolution as a way to keep the team in Foxborough. Peter Tam, an attorney for the Kraft Group, said the team has run out of space and can no longer share a facility with the New England Patriots. In the past, the MLS club has shared a field with the football team and they currently have a soccer pitch in a former parking lot.

Under the current proposal, new practice fields and a small facility would be constructed in an area between Cross Street and the south shopping area. There would be no access from Cross Street.

"It enables the Revolution to stay in Foxborough and have their headquarters in Foxborough, have their own independent facility so they're not reliant on shared facilities," Tam said.

Tam said later in the meeting that while the team's desire to move to a stadium closer to Boston is known, the fields would allow the team to keep their front office and practice operation in Foxborough. As it stands, there are no plans for the team to move. The most recent news in the years-long effort for a standalone stadium came about a year ago when UMass Boston confirmed that talks to build a stadium at the former home of the Bayside Expo Center stalled. Other failed plans include proposals in Revere, Somerville, and Roxbury.

Other zoning changes not related to the team include allowing retail, hotels, and scientific research and development facilities by right.

Any construction is pending a special permit from the planning board.

Image: File Photo