New England Patriots kickoff preseason football Thursday on 22News

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Patriots are kicking off their preseason schedule with a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium.

Most of the Patriots expected starters will be sitting out but as the preseason continues and regular season begins, but fans will get their first chance to see some exciting new additions to the team in action, including wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster and tight end Mike Gesicki.

The tradition to head out to the stadium early and enjoying the pregame festivities in the parking lot with friends and food was in full effect Thursday afternoon.

“I just was invited this week and said ‘I’m going to have a grill,’ we’re going to make some burgers, and chips and drinks,” said one fan at Foxboro Thursday.

WWLP-22News will broadcast all three of the upcoming pre-season New England Patriots games. 

• August 10 at 7:00 p.m. – Houston Texans at New England
• August 19 at 8:00 p.m. – New England at Green Bay Packers
• August 25 at 8:00 p.m.  – New England at Tennessee Titans

The first Patriots home game in Foxboro is against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, September 10th. Tom Brady will be returning to Gillette Stadium that night to be honored.

22News is also set to air the September 17^th regular season Patriots game during NBC’s Sunday Night Football when the Miami Dolphins will travel to New England.