Welcome to Gillette

FOXBOROUGH -- Welcome to Gillette Stadium, where the Patriots host the Chiefs in the season-opening game for both teams (1 p.m.).

It looks like a great day for football. The current temperature is 73 degrees, and the expectation is that it will rise to the high 70s by kickoff. There is no precipitation, although wind could be a factor in the kicking game (gusts in the teens are expected). Already, the orange flags at the top of the goalposts are dancing.

On the field, the Patriots' logo is painted fresh at the 50-yard line. Another logo -- the red, white and blue 2008 NFL kickoff -- is on the field at the 50-yard line (closer to the Chiefs' bench).

Another logo seen on the playing field -- at the 50-yard line but closer to the Patriots' bench -- is a black circle that has the initials GU and the number 63. That logo is in memory of Gene Upshaw, the Pro Football Hall of Famer and executive director of the NFL Players Association who died unexpectedly in August.

Both end zones are painted with the words "Patriots".

Carl Cheffers, one of the NFL's two new head referees, is scheduled to work today's game.

We'll have more throughout the day.