Changes

Plagued by inconsistent ownership, the team's fortunes changed when Robert Kraft, a long time season ticket owner, was able to buy the team.  Kraft was able to do so by a series of events ultimately leading to his ownership:

Plagued by inconsistent ownership, the team's fortunes changed when Robert Kraft, a long time season ticket owner, was able to buy the team.  Kraft was able to do so by a series of events ultimately leading to his ownership:

*First, Kraft purchased an option on Foxboro Raceway, a horse-racing track; his ownership prevented the Patriots from operating non-team events when races where being held.

*First, Kraft purchased an option on Foxboro Raceway, a horse-racing track; his ownership prevented the Patriots from operating non-team events when races where being held.

*Second, Kraft purchased Schaefer Stadium for $22 million out of bankruptcy court when the Patriots owner experienced financial trouble (notable sponsorship of the Jackson Five 1984 Victory tour, a financial disaster which also led to the Jacksons having family quarrels which were never resolved).

*Second, Kraft purchased Schaefer Stadium for $22 million out of bankruptcy court when the Patriots owner experienced financial trouble (the prior owner was a major sponsor of the Jackson Five 1984 Victory tour, a financial disaster which also led to the Jacksons having family quarrels which were never resolved).

*Though Kraft attempted to purchase the Patriots at the same time he bought the stadium, by holding the lease he held leverage, preventing two attempted franchise relocations; after the second one he offered a then-record $172 million for outright ownership of the team which was accepted.

*Though Kraft attempted to purchase the Patriots at the same time he bought the stadium, by holding the lease he held leverage, preventing two attempted franchise relocations; after the second one he offered a then-record $172 million for outright ownership of the team which was accepted.