Local Homeowners Open Yards for Parking Ahead of World Cup Matches

As the inaugural FIFA World Cup match approaches in Foxboro, local residents are responding to concerns about parking costs and availability by offering their properties as parking spots for fans. Homeowners in South Walpole are transforming their yards and driveways into temporary parking lots to accommodate the expected surge of visitors.

“Quite a few of our neighbors do it around here, so I figured we’d join the party,” said Justin Burdon, a local resident. Burdon has secured a permit from the Town of Walpole, which allows him to park up to 26 cars on his property along Washington Street for a fee of $100 per vehicle. “We’ll just have them come through the driveway and park on the lawn in rows so no one’s blocked in or out,” he explained, noting that the permitting process included specific regulations and requirements.

Another neighbor, Priscilla MacKenzie, is also offering parking for the same price and has already filled her slots for the World Cup’s opening match on June 13. Her home on Shufelt Road can accommodate 16 vehicles, and she has devised a clever arrangement to maximize space. “I have eight cars parallel here, then there’s one car up here that’s straight up and down,” she detailed. “Then I take little cars and put five of them fanned out under those trees.”

MacKenzie’s property is especially appealing due to its close proximity to the stadium, with a footpath at the end of her street leading directly to the venue. “It took me only 11 minutes to walk from my home to the ticket gate,” she noted, emphasizing the convenience her location offers fans. “People are so grateful when they park on Shufelt because it just takes away all the traffic and you don’t have to be on Route 1.”

As excitement builds for the World Cup, many homeowners are advertising their parking spots on social media, while others plan to guide drivers to their properties on match days. “What happens is the traffic gets super backed up, so people will park wherever they can and just walk to the stadium. It’s a lot easier,” Burdon remarked. With official stadium parking priced at $175 per vehicle, these homeowners hope their affordable options will attract visitors and provide a financial boost during this major sporting event.