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‘Lose the booze’ on the Patriots train tonight, says T – Metro US

‘Lose the booze’ on the Patriots train tonight, says T

‘Lose the booze’ on the Patriots train tonight, says T
NICOLAUS CZARNECKI/METRO FILE

Before the MBTA’s special Patriots train was set to depart South Station Thursday night en route to the game of the season, the transit agency was warning revelers how not to have their season opener fun deflated. “Lose the booze,” the T tweeted.

No booze whatsoever, according to MBTA policy. Not even unopened containers.

“For these particular trains, the consumption of alcohol in our experience lends itself to rowdy behavior,” said Transit Police Lt. Richard Sullivan in an interview. “We just can’t tolerate it. It’s not going to be allowed and it’s a very well thought out, and in my personal opinion a very sound policy.”

The T also prohibits riders from carrying items on trains that arebanned at Gillette Stadium, per NFL rules.

RELATED:T fines commuter rail operator for subpar service

The reason, said Sullivan, also comes from experience.

“When [passengers] found out on the train that they were in possession of items that they would not be allowed to bring, they just left them everywhere,” he told Metro.

According to the rules, bags brought to the game need to be made of clear plastic – for example theNFL-branded clear plastic totes. Or, you know, Ziploc bags.

Also permitted, according to league’s website: small bags that are “about the size of a hand.”

Gillette also keeps its own list of banned items, which include beach balls, unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and battery operated heated jackets.

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<p><i><b>RELATED:<a href=2015 NFL win total over / unders: Patriots, Falcons over; Giants under

Another warning from the NFL: Don’t bring the wrong seat cushion.

“Non-approved seat cushions include large traditional seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments, or covers. Please see your club guest services office to have your seat cushion examined,” the NFL website reads.

The T has been running trains to the stadium, for those looking to avoid traffic and parking or the hazards of drunk driving, since it opened in 2002.

Tickets for the special game-day trains cost $15 round-trip. Find them at commuter rail kiosks or on theMBTA app.

RELATED:3 things to watch for as Patriots face Steelers

MBTA Commuter Rail operator Keolis runs a pair of special Patriots trains to Foxborough – one departs from South Station, the other from Providence. During the regular season, between 1,500 and 2,200 passengers ride the trains per game, said Keolis spokesman Mac Daniel.

Tickets have sold out, but not in the past few years, Daniel told Metro.

“Highest ridership on the Pats Train tends to be in November or December when the weather turns bad and tailgating becomes tougher,” Daniel said in an email.