With the New England Patriots bound for the Super Bowl, Gillette Stadium’s transition ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup began earlier this month as crews tore up the artificial turf and began installing the natural grass surface.
While preparations begin, controversy is taking place in Foxborough City Hall as disputes over a $7.7 million security bill are reportedly putting next summer’s games in "jeopardy”, according to MassLive.
The security bill is intended to cover the associated costs of security, medical, and communication necessary to put on a world-renowned event like the World Cup. The only problem is deciding on who will foot that security bill.
During a meeting, Foxborough Select Board Chair Bill Yukna insisted the funds for securing the event will not come from Foxborough or its taxpayers.
“It’s not up to the Town of Foxborough to support or pay for any of this," he said. "As our chiefs are the ones responsible for the security and safety of the facilities, their needs need to be met or this cannot be an event that moves forward.”
Foxborough Town Manager Paige Duncan said the town is not in a position to put forward 7.8 million dollars up front in hopes that it will be reimbursed. At a Foxborough Town Meeting, Yukna stated what would happen if a deal couldn’t be reached over security funding.
“The town is going to stand behind the request of the $7.7 million for both manpower and some capital and expense items," he said. "And if they aren’t met, then as this board has discussed in the past, the license won’t be granted. We are going to be very clear with that.”
Foxborough is set to host five group stage matches plus a Round of 32 and Quarterfinal match. With games set to kick off in four months, expect all sides to convene and work out a deal that benefits all pirates ahead of this summer’s games.
