The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) received a massive setback the same week its football postseason is set to begin.
On Monday, Nov. 2, the MIAA sent out a statement saying the 2026 state championship games will not be played at Gillette Stadium, the home of the New England Patriots. The championship games had been held there annually since 2007.
“The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association was informed late last week that the utilization of Gillette Stadium for the MIAA football championships is no longer an option,” MIAA spokesperson Jim Clark said in a release. “We thank the Patriots organization hosting this event for nearly two decades.
“Whereas the 2026 MIAA Football Tournament begins this week, we will
work diligently to secure host sites that provide the best possible championship experience for our student-athletes and our school communities.”
USA TODAY Sports has reached out to Gillette Stadium and the Patriots for comment.
The MIAA state championships are currently scheduled for the weekend of Dec. 5, with the Patriots set to host the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 6.
According to the Boston Herald, championship games have been played on "Wednesday, Thursday and Friday or Thursday, Friday and Saturday to avoid conflict with the Patriots in getting the stadium ready."
Now with just over a month left before the championship games, the MIAA will begin a search for a venue. Last season, Massachusetts was one of nine states that held state championships at NFL stadiums.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Massachusetts high school football championships suddenly lose Gillette Stadium as host
