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Full Court Press for Rhode Island “Summer of Soccer”
“Summer of Soccer”
Following a front page Boston Globe story about how difficult travel in and around Rhode Island and Massaachusetts will be to the FIFA World Cup coming this summer, Rhode Island leaders announced their plans for a “Summer of Soccer” – while most of the negative speaking has to do with the issue of almost impossible ease of travel whether on trains (no trains from RI) – or special buses such as the “Stadium Express Bus” to take you “right into” Gillette, there is now a good deal of promotion to staying right here in Rhode Island and watch the game at home, at bars and from the jumbotron in downtown Providence.
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Here are plans as announced in the statement:
“General Treasurer James Diossa, Governor Dan McKee, Mayor Brett Smiley, legislators, state officials, and leaders announced the comprehensive operational and community plan for the “Rhode Island Summer of Soccer”. This initiative will transform the state into a premier destination for international fans, anchored by a team base camp, a central Fan Zone in Providence, and a robust “Stadium Express” transportation network.
“Our vision for the Summer of Soccer is about more than just a tournament; it’s about positioning Rhode Island on the global stage,” said Treasurer Diossa. “By hosting international teams just up the road in Foxboro and thousands of visitors, we are creating an economic engine that will benefit our small businesses and communities for years to come. Today, we are laying out the roadmap to ensure our state is ready to welcome the world.”
“Rhode Island is ready to open its doors to soccer fans from across the globe for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Governor McKee. “I want to thank our many partners who have helped to coordinate this effort to ensure that this is a successful, safe, and memorable experience for all. The Ocean State is proud to be part of this historic moment. Go USA!”
Senator Lori Urso and Representative Joshua Giraldo emphasized the legislative commitment to the project, highlighting the community impact and the strategic allocation of funding to support transportation efforts.
“The tradition of soccer in Rhode Island dates back to the nineteenth century in our mill cities, and today, as a pro sport in our state, it unites us as a community,” said Senator Lori Urso. “This summer’s activities are sure to engage soccer fans, and to attract new ones to the game, while boosting local commerce. I congratulate Treasurer Diossa, Liz Tanner, and the entire Ocean State 2026 team for what is sure to be a memorable World Cup experience.”
“As a long time soccer player and World Cup fan, I am beyond thrilled that Rhode Island will not only be enjoying the economic benefits of the 2026 World Cup in our backyard, but that a culture of soccer will pervade Rhode Island, and many people — adults and children — will get to enjoy this sport that brings so many groups and cultures together,” said Representative Joshua Giraldo.
PROVIDENCE FAN ZONE
Mayor Smiley detailed the City’s pivotal role, specifically the launch of the 39-day, FIFA-approved, Providence Fan Zone. “This is an exciting moment for Providence and for Rhode Island,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “FIFA’s approval of our FanZone reflects the strength of our City as a welcoming, vibrant destination and our ability to deliver world-class experiences on a global stage. We are ready to welcome fans from across the globe to our Downtown waterfront and showcase everything that makes Providence special.”
The PVD FanZone at Station Park will run on select dates from June 11 through July 19, anchoring Rhode Island’s Summer of Soccer and welcoming fans from around the world to the capital city. The PVD Fan Zone is being produced by the City of Providence’s Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism and the Providence Tourism Council. Set along the Providence River and steps from the Downtown Riverwalk, the PVD FanZone will feature watch parties, live music, interactive games, a professionally staffed bar, and a rotating lineup of local food vendors.
“The Department of Art, Culture and Tourism is thrilled to produce and host the state’s official Fan Zone, in the heart of our Creative Capital, said Joe Wilson, Jr., Director of the City of Providence’s Art, Culture and Tourism Department. “With our partners from the Providence Tourism Council, the department is producing an unforgettable experience for this once-in-a-lifetime event for residents and visitors from around the world, coming together to celebrate the importance of sport and culture in building community and creating joy.
Centrally located within the heart of Providence, the PVD FanZone places visitors within walking distance of the city’s shopping, dining, arts and nightlife. It will also present opportunities for local businesses, artists and organizations to participate in the global celebration through sponsorships, food vending, and entertainment programming. Interested participants are encouraged to apply to be part of the FanZone experience. Visit pvdfanzone.com for the latest information.
“Providence is ready to welcome the world. As a producing partner of the PVD FanZone, the Providence Tourism Council is proud to help create an unforgettable experience that brings together the excitement of global soccer with the culture, creativity, and hospitality that define our city,” added Alexis Gorriaran, Executive Director of the Providence Tourism Council. “From our celebrated culinary scene and vibrant arts community to live entertainment and waterfront energy, the FanZone will give visitors every reason to stay, explore, and experience all that Providence has to offer.”
PUBLIC SAFETY & TRANSPORTATION
EMA Director Marc Pappas outlined an emergency preparedness plan, developed in coordination with local, state, and federal authorities to ensure a seamless and safe environment for all events.
“Over the past year, we’ve built a unified, multi-agency approach to ensure Rhode Island is fully prepared to support World Cup activities,” said Director Pappas.“Through close coordination with our local, state, and federal partners, as well as our partners at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, we continue to refine a comprehensive plan focused on delivering a safe and well-coordinated experience, grounded in strong communication, operational alignment, real-time situational awareness, and a shared common operating picture.”
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is working to ensure Rhode Island’s public health and medical infrastructure can accommodate the needs of visitors to the area, to ensure Rhode Island is prepared to respond to any potential emergencies with public health and medical impacts, and to prevent threats to Rhode Island’s people, food, water, and environment. These steps include engaging staff with diverse subject-matter expertise across RIDOH and healthcare facilities and systems in training and exercises; readying the state’s surveillance, testing, and response systems for infectious diseases, drug overdoses, and heat-related illnesses; and enhancing food establishment and drinking water quality and safety.
“Preparedness is at the core of public health,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. “We have been working with partners in healthcare, public health, and all throughout Rhode Island and the region for several months to help ensure that Rhode Island’s health infrastructure is as prepared as possible for the influx of visitors we expect over the coming weeks.”
The “Stadium Express” plan was also unveiled, featuring a primary transportation hub at the RI Convention Center. Additionally, in coordination with RIPTA and Director Durand, there will be dedicated bus routes from Providence to Attleboro and Warwick to the Convention Center, streamlining visitor movement to the stadium.
“RIDOT is working with MassDOT to do all we can to support a seamless travel experience to and from the games – from message boards to traffic control to security. It is going to be great,” said RIDOT Director Robert Rocchio.
COMMUNITY IMPACT & ENGAGEMENT
Ocean State 2026 Chair Treasurer James Diossa announced the award of grants to the following:
- The Central Rhode Island Chamber
- The City of Central Falls
- The City of Pawtucket
- The City of Providence
- Coventry Youth Soccer & Parks and Recreation
- Cumberland Youth Soccer
- Federal Hill Commerce Association
- Mundialito
- Newport Film
- Project Goal
- RI Day of Portugal
- Rhode Island Zoological Society
- South County Youth Soccer
- The Town of Narragansett
- Woonsocket Neighborworks Blackstone River Valley
- Burriville Glocester Youth Soccer
- Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
Sponsorships came from the following organizations:
- Airbnb
- Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
- Fidelity Investments
- Navigant Credit Union
- Rhode Island Sports Commission
- Coastal 1 Credit Union
- Newport Craft
- LIUNA
- Adler, Pollock & Sheehan PC
- Anheuser-Busch
- AT&T
- Beacon Bank
- Brightstar
- Beacon Mutual
- Blount Boats
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield
- Bryant University
- Coca-Cola Northeast
- Dave’s Fresh Marketplace
- Delta Dental
- Farmer and Vining CPA
- IATSE
- Senseco Marine
- Unisport Soccer
RI Sports Commission Executive Director Jonathan Walker highlighted the state’s official involvement in tournament operations, including the Team Base Camp at Bryant University, where the Ghana Football Association will train, and the distribution of grants awarded to youth soccer organizations throughout Rhode Island.
“Organized youth soccer in Rhode Island offers thousands of children the chance to build skills, foster teamwork, and develop lifelong healthy habits. To support and expand this impact, the Rhode Island Sports Commission and its parent organization, GoProvidence, awarded $40,000 in grants, along with planning assistance to local youth soccer organizations. These resources were designed to enhance existing summer tournaments or launch new programs, enabling greater participation and deeper community engagement across the state.”
For more information, including specific event information in cities and towns, please visit risummerofsoccer.com.
RI Summer of Soccer Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXdHYmYEdDc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
RINewsToday asked the Soccer offices in RI to respond to the concerns raised in the Boston Globe story but did not receive a response other than to direct us to the Summer of Soccer announcement.
This is a developing story