Massachusetts high school football’s championship games need a new home just days before the playoffs begin.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association announced Monday, Nov. 2, that Gillette Stadium in Foxborough is “no longer an option” for the 2026 finals. The stadium has hosted MIAA Super Bowl games since 2007.
The association said it learned late last week that the venue was unavailable and is working to secure replacement sites. MIAA announcement
Scheduling conflicts at Gillette
A Gillette spokesperson cited scheduling constraints involving the New England Revolution’s potential playoff games and the Patriots’ Dec. 6 home game, according to CBS Boston.
The Patriots also host the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 10, according to the stadium calendar.
The decision applies to this year’s championships. A permanent departure from Gillette has not been announced.
Possible replacement venues
No replacement site has been named. The MIAA’s published tournament format lists championship dates as to be determined.
MassLive suggested several possible hosts, including Boston College’s Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Holy Cross’ Fitton Field in Worcester, Harvard Stadium and UMass’ McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst. Those venues have not been identified as an official MIAA shortlist.
Alumni Stadium seats 44,500. Boston College’s final scheduled home game is Nov. 21, according to the Eagles’ schedule, though that does not establish the stadium’s availability for the high school finals.
Newton teams miss playoff field
Newton North and Newton South compete in MIAA Division 1 football, but neither qualified for this fall’s tournament, as previously reported.
The MIAA has not announced a timetable for selecting championship venues. First-round games may begin Thursday, Nov. 5, according to the tournament format.
