Bad Bunny, the massively popular Puerto Rican reggaeton singer, is scheduled to perform at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Saturday, October 21, 2023 as part of his “World’s Hottest Tour.” This has many fans in Boston wondering, where exactly is the Bad Bunny concert if not in Boston itself? Here’s a quick breakdown of why the concert is being held at Gillette Stadium and how fans can get to the venue from Boston.
Why is the Bad Bunny concert in Foxborough instead of Boston?
While Boston would seem like an obvious choice to host a concert of this magnitude, Gillette Stadium offers some key advantages as a venue that make it a better fit for an event like this:
- Capacity – With a capacity of over 65,000, Gillette Stadium can accommodate a much larger audience than venues in downtown Boston. This allows more fans to experience the highly sought after concert live.
- Parking – Foxborough has acres of parking lots surrounding Gillette Stadium, making parking easy compared to limited, expensive parking options downtown. Tens of thousands of cars can park on-site.
- Logistics – A stadium setup is better suited for the elaborate stage shows, pyrotechnics and production that a mega-star like Bad Bunny brings. It’s easier to load in equipment and set up at Gillette.
- Availability – Landing a date at an open air stadium is easier than booking one of Boston’s indoor arenas like TD Garden or Fenway Park which host sports games/concerts year-round.
Simply put, while fans may have preferred a Boston venue for convenience, Foxborough offers the space, facilities and availability needed to successfully host a major concert event on the scale of Bad Bunny.
How far is Gillette Stadium from Boston?
The distance between downtown Boston and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough is about 30 miles or a 35 minute drive without traffic. Here are some key stats on the distance:
- 30 miles driving distance from TD Garden in downtown Boston to Gillette Stadium
- 35 minutes typical drive time via I-95 S and I-93 S highways
- 25 miles straight line distance between start and end points
While just over 30 miles separates the two locations, it can take significantly longer with traffic or inefficient routes. The concert is sure to draw tens of thousands of fans from Boston which could lead to congestion on game day. Planning a route in advance is recommended.
Best ways to get from Boston to the Bad Bunny concert
Navigating the trip from Boston to Foxborough can be a challenge during a high traffic event. Here are some of the best transportation options for concert goers to consider:
Driving and Parking
Driving your own car and parking at Gillette Stadium is the most common option. Pre-purchasing parking passes online is recommended as on-site parking tends to sell out. Despite potential traffic, driving may still be faster than public transit.
Ride Sharing
Services like Uber and Lyft can provide convenient door-to-door rides from Boston to Foxborough. Prices surge due to high demand around major events, so expect higher fares. Splitting costs via UberXL or Lyft XL can help save money.
Shuttles
Some bars, venues and tour companies offer shuttle services to Gillette Stadium from Boston. While not as direct as Uber/Lyft, shuttles simplify parking and provide a fun “tailgating” atmosphere.
MBTA Commuter Rail
The MBTA’s Foxboro commuter rail line goes directly to Gillette Stadium station on event days. It can be a long trip (90+ minutes) but avoids driving hassles. Purchase round trip tickets ahead of time as trains fill up fast.
Carpooling
Splitting the drive with other Bad Bunny fans can make the trip more fun and affordable. Connect via apps like Karpool or social media groups to find people to carpool with along your route.
Ideal places to stay in Boston for the concert
To minimize transportation time and costs on concert day, staying as centrally located in Boston the night before is best. Here are some top rated downtown hotels near public transit:
Hotel | Location | Price |
---|---|---|
The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Beacon Hill | $$$ |
The Langham Boston | Financial District | $$$$ |
Revere Hotel Boston Common | Theatre District | $$$ |
XV Beacon | Beacon Hill | $$$$ |
Staying in Back Bay, the Theatre District, Financial District, North End, Beacon Hill or other central neighborhoods allows easy access to transit and makes for a quick ride share pickup. Shop deals in advance for best rates.
Preparing for the big concert day
Making some smart preparations ahead of the Bad Bunny concert will help ensure you have the best experience. Here are some key tips for getting ready:
Plan your route
Map out the best way to get to Gillette Stadium from your location in advance. Account for traffic patterns when choosing driving routes or transit lines.
Charge your devices
Phones and other devices will get a workout capturing photos/videos and looking up meetups or transit options. Don’t get stranded with a dead battery.
Pack essentials only
Be mindful of what you can/cannot bring into the stadium. Leave non-essentials behind to speed up entry lines.
Check the forecast
Dress appropriately for the weather. Bring layers, ponchos or sunscreen depending on predictions.
Eat before arrival
Food and drinks inside will have long lines and be overpriced. Eat beforehand so you don’t have to waste concert time waiting.
Use the bathroom
Likewise, bathrooms get crowded quickly. Go before arriving to avoid long waits during the event.
Concert night game plan
Executing a strategic game plan on the night of the big show will help overcome challenges:
Arrive early
Give yourself plenty of buffer time in case of traffic, transit delays, parking challenges etc. Better early than missing the start.
Ride share to “Lot””
When using Uber/Lyft, program the adjacent “Lot” address instead of the stadium address to get dropped off right nearby.
Locate your gate
Study the stadium map and find the gate closest to your seats. Identify landmarks to meet up with others too.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water leading up to and during the event. Dancing and singing for hours is dehydrating.
Charge your phone
Bring a backup charger and charging cable. Top your phone off if battery gets low so you can take more pics/videos.
Use buddy system for bathroom
To minimize time away from the action, go to the bathrooms in pairs instead of one at a time.
Agree on post-show meeting spot
Pick a precise landmark to reunite with your group after the crowds disperse. Phones may die or lose service.
Post-concert transportation back to Boston
Just like getting to the concert, you’ll want an exit strategy for making your way back from Foxborough. Options include:
Ride share
Uber/Lyft works, just expect rate surges and long pickup waits due to demand. Walk a good distance away from the stadium to shorten wait.
Public transit
The commuter rail will run return trains after the show ends. Purchase tickets in advance since they may sell out.
Drive/parked car
Driving yourself and parking on site means you control when you leave. Just be prepared for heavy traffic around the venue.
Shuttles
If you took a bar/venue shuttle to the concert, hop back on the return shuttle trip for a seamless ride back.
Ride share to transit stop
Take a short Uber/Lyft ride to a farther transit station with more availability, then take the train back.
Conclusion
Attending the Bad Bunny concert may require some extra effort and planning since it’s being held at Gillette Stadium instead of in Boston. But fans willing to take transit, drive/carpool or stay nearby the night before will be rewarded with getting to see one of the hottest global superstars in concert. Use this guide to make smart decisions about location, transportation, lodging and other logistics to ensure you have an amazing experience seeing Bad Bunny live!