Boston Legacy's Inaugural Home Game Draws Huge Crowd at Gillette Stadium

Women's soccer team sets NWSL attendance record for a home opener

Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:50pm

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Thousands of soccer fans packed Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, to witness the inaugural home game of the Boston Legacy, the city's new women's professional soccer team. The game against Gotham FC set a new National Women's Soccer League record for highest attendance at a home opener.

Why it matters

The strong fan turnout underscores the growing popularity and demand for women's professional sports, particularly soccer, which has historically been overshadowed by men's sports. The Legacy's home games will help bring more visibility and recognition to the women's game.

The details

Before the game, a Boston Legacy Fan Fest got fans excited with activities like face painting, games, and hair braiding. The crowd was further energized by a performance from the Boston Public High School marching band. When the Legacy took the field, the thousands of fans in attendance erupted in cheers, eager to witness the team's relentless skills against their opponents Gotham FC.

  • The Boston Legacy played their inaugural home game on March 14, 2026.
  • The game set a new NWSL record for highest attendance at a home opener.

The players

Boston Legacy

The new women's professional soccer team in Boston, playing in the National Women's Soccer League.

Gotham FC

The women's professional soccer team based in New Jersey, who played against the Boston Legacy in their inaugural home game.

Anna Esten

A member of the Boston Independent Supporters Association, a group that helped generate excitement and support for the Boston Legacy.

Tony Beatrice

A representative from Boston Public Schools, whose high school marching band performed at the Legacy's home opener.

Sarah Lewis

A fan from Cranston, Rhode Island, who brought her 9-year-old son Granger to witness the historic event.

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What they’re saying

“It means everything we've been working to this day for over two years to make sure the instadium presence and that the fans are ready to support this team.”

— Anna Esten, Boston Independent Supporters Association member (cbsnews.com)

“This is a monumental moment not only for Legacy but for us from BPS. We are bringing together high school students from 10 high school band programs to be a major part of the home games Boston Legacy will have going forward.”

— Tony Beatrice (cbsnews.com)

“It is important for me to make sure that my three boys and it's really important for me to show them that women's sports are just as important as men's sports.”

— Sarah Lewis (cbsnews.com)

“To me, it's huge. I am a soccer coach now, and it means the world. I never thought we would be here. It's a dream.”

— Sarah Lewis (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Boston Legacy will continue to play their home games at Gillette Stadium and Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, until their permanent home at White Stadium in Boston is completed in 2027.

The takeaway

The strong fan turnout for the Boston Legacy's inaugural home game demonstrates the growing popularity and demand for women's professional sports, particularly soccer. This event marks an important milestone in bringing greater visibility and recognition to the women's game.