Providence Approved for World Cup Fan Zone
Providence, Rhode Island, has scored FIFA approval to host an official World Cup fan zone. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joined Gov. Dan McKee, state Treasurer James Diossa, and other officials…
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Providence, Rhode Island, has scored FIFA approval to host an official World Cup fan zone.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joined Gov. Dan McKee, state Treasurer James Diossa, and other officials on Tuesday, April 28, to announce the 39-day Providence Fan Zone.
According to a Boston Globe report, the Providence Fan Zone will be held on “select dates” from June 11 through July 19. Members of the public are invited to attend watch parties, live music, interactive games, food vendors, and a “professionally staffed bar.”
The fan zone will cover the areas of Station Park, the green space bordered by the Providence train station, the Providence Place mall, and Waterplace Park, along the Providence River, and a short distance from the Downtown Riverwalk.
A stadium express service will cost approximately $50 round trip between Providence and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough to help fans attend matches.
In Rhode Island, World Cup events are planned in Central Falls, Pawtucket, East Providence, and Smithfield, according to the Globe.
“The Commerce board has appropriated about $500,000 into this effort of really centralizing this activity right here in Rhode Island so we can help our businesses take advantage of the experience,” McKee said during Tuesday's announcement.
Rhode Island plans to hold the following activities in connection with the World Cup:
- The main stage in Station Park will feature a Jumbotron that broadcasts every game.
- Visiting soccer fans can explore Waterplace Park Pavilion as PUMA's Case de Portugal for unique cultural experiences.
- Bryant University will host Ghana for the tournament.
- Providence WaterFire will offer partial or basin lightings on June 12 and 18, and July 17. A full lighting is planned for July 4.
- The Rhode Island PrideFest and Parade will take place on June 20.
- Pop-up art World Cup celebrations around the state will coincide with America 250 and Rhode Island 250 celebrations near the Fourth of July.
State leaders said that a coordinated public safety plan is in place, including an emergency management framework that involves multiple agencies and cross-state cooperation with Massachusetts.
“We're committed to giving soccer fans a safe, easy, and fun way to enjoy this summer's tournament,” McKee emphasized.
