Images released last week "shed new light on the Patriots’ plan to demolish more than 1,500 seats and build the so-called Optum Field Lounge, named for the healthcare technology and services subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, Inc. that signed up to sponsor it," according to Dan Adams of the BOSTON GLOBE. Gillette Stadium's "swanky members-only lounge" at field-level behind the south end zone will consist of "a climate-controlled open space with large glass windows facing the field." It will feature "premium food, an upscale bar, private restrooms, state-of-the-art HD televisions, and 'media walls.'" Outside the lounge will be "a terrace just steps from the uprights." Patriots Senior VP/Marketing & Brand Development Jennifer Ferron said, "This is intended to be an exclusive amenity for season ticket members. We have an outdoor stadium, so we thought we would afford them a way to enjoy the game in all types of weather." Adams reports lounge access will be "limited to existing season ticket holders in good standing." A one-year membership "costs $1,500 -- on top of the price of season tickets -- and you must buy at least two memberships." Included in membership is "early access before games, the option to reserve the lounge for private events at a discount, and appearances by cheerleaders and retired Patriots players." Members also can "shuttle back and forth between the lounge and their regular season-ticket seats at their leisure." Construction of the lounge "will begin immediately" after the season and will finish in July. The team "declined to say how much the project would cost" (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/2). The lounge "will be open three hours before the game and an hour after each contest" (PROVIDENCEJOURNAL.com, 12/2).
