Fans pull out all the stops in Patriots home opener

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

The parking lot at Gillette Stadium was packed with eager Patriots fans for the team’s home opener on Sunday.

"I’ve been a season ticket holder since 1972 when they built the stadium here in Foxboro,” said Steve Donnelly from East Providence.

Donnelly has an impressive resume when it comes to Patriots football but says nothing compares to this.

"I was in Arizona against the Giants and Seattle and the excitement for home opener, unparalleled,” Donnelly said.

Others experienced the sights and sounds of the home opener for the first time, including Brad Laflesh who came all the way from Orlando just for the start of football in Foxboro.

"We just have a blast every year but this is exciting,” said Brad Laflesh from Orlando.

"We’re having a great time. We have food, beverages, the weather’s a little cloudy but we’re having a great day,” said Richard Freitas from Pembroke.

This was the first home opener in Gillette Stadium’s 14-year history without Tom Brady. He’s now at the halfway point of his four game suspension, but fans tailgating are using that as fuel. They’re feeling as fired up as ever for another season.

"Fifth game he’s gonna be ready to go!" said Joe Mastronunzio.

"I got faith!” Freitas said.

The Patriots have a quick turn around. They face the Houston Texans at home this Thursday.

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