The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon welcomed the one millionth guest through its doors today, fewer than nine years after its grand opening on September 22, 2008.
Michelle Mudgett from Palmer, Mass., along with her husband Keith and daughters Catalina (13) and Abigail (1) walked off the elevator around 3:30 p.m., and were soon congratulated by Patriots owner Robert Kraft as No. 1,000,000.
After being startled by the balloons and music, Michelle broke down into tears when told she was the one millionth Hall visitor and would be going to the Patriots home opener on Sept. 7 vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. It was the family’s first visit to The Hall.
“I felt like one of the people on Publishers Clearing House,” Michelle said while donning her Julian Edelman-themed high top sneakers and jersey. “I don’t know what to do. I feel like screaming. We’re such huge fans. We plan our Sundays around watching the Patriots on TV, but we’ve never been to a game.”
That will change on Sept. 7 when she visits Gillette Stadium to watch the team’s fifth Super Bowl Championship banner unveiled.
Michelle received a prize package that, in addition to the tickets to the home opener, included two tailgate party passes for the Sept. 7 game, a lifetime membership to The Hall, gift cards to the Patriots Pro Shop and Patriot Place, a custom Patriots jersey signed by Robert Kraft and a customized painted football.
“I’m still in shock,” Michelle’s husband, Dan, said. “This is incredible.”
“We’re huge fans,” 13-year-old Catalina added. “My friends think I’m crazy, but I think I’m rational.”
