FOXBORO, Mass. – Gillette Stadium is now a fully smoke-free facility.

All areas inside the stadium gates are designated as nonsmoking, a policy that will remain in place for all ticketed events, including NFL games, MLS an international soccer matches, UMass football games, concerts, functions and events.

Since its opening in 2002, smoking had been allowed in designated areas at the periphery of the open-air stadium. Gillette Stadium joins the majority of NFL venues and many MLS venues by going completely smoke-free.

“The feedback we’ve received from our customers suggests that the majority now prefer a fully nonsmoking environment,” said James Nolan, Gillette Stadium senior vice president of administration, operations and finance.

In partnership with Tufts Health Plan, new signage will be erected throughout the stadium, smoking cessation literature will be available in the stadium’s Guest Services Booths and public-service announcements will be made during events.

The new policy began with the New England Revolution game held on July 14.

“Supporting people in their quest to be healthy is a critical component of what we do,” said James Roosevelt Jr., president and CEO of Tufts. •