“Topgolf Providence” changes name to “Topgolf Rhode Island” when Cranstonians call foul

July 15, 2023/Nancy Thomas

“Say my name, say my name…”

After several years of dialogue about bringing Topgolf to Cranston, Rhode Island, construction is nearing completion, heralded by the bright red blinking lights seen in the neighborhoods and prominently from Route 37.

At the groundbreaking one year ago while signage said “Topgolf Cranston – Rhode Island”, the speeches from Topgolf officials continued to refer to the venue as Topgolf Rhode Island. When queried about this officials said it was there name, “for now”.

Last week the Rhode Island venue appeared on Topgolf’s website as their newest coming facility – but – it said “Topgolf Providence”. Several media outlets noticed this and word got around about the name change.

Mayor Ken Hopkins did several interviews this week about the name, noting at one point if the company wanted to call it “Providence” it could come and get its poles and building and put it in Providence. Hopkins had said he was open to compromise and referenced the name “Topgolf Rhode Island” as an option.

The issue carried the news cycle for over a day or two. Topgolf was not answering emails about the issue.

But – on Friday morning, in our inbox was a message that the company had decided to change their RI venue name to “Topgolf Rhode Island” – and sent us this statement:

“We can’t wait to enter Rhode Island and welcome Players across the state to our Topgolf venue, located in the wonderful community of Cranston near the Garden City Center.”

Mayor Hopkins issued this statement:

“The people of Cranston are very excited and proud to have a venue like Top Golf coming to our city, as has been evidenced by conversation over the last couple of days.

We are delighted to share that Top Golf has agreed to designate their new home in Cranston as “Top Golf Rhode Island” – rather than Top Golf Providence.

This is not a slight against Providence. Providence now has great leadership in Mayor Smiley who is moving that city in the right direction.

I am greatly appreciative of the cooperation and open-mindedness of Top Golf’s executive management and their response to my request. This sends a message to the people of Cranston and the state of Rhode Island that Top Golf cares about our residents.

Symbolically, this was important to Cranston, and it gives our city more proper recognition as the host community for this great entertainment and economic venture.

With this gesture, Top Golf has demonstrated one of the reasons why we are so excited that they are coming to Cranston, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with them as they become the premier entertainment destination in the region.

Of course, we still welcome and are proud of companies like Providence Lacquer Supply, Texas Roadhouse and the Olneyville New York System in Cranston as long standing and thriving businesses.

But with TopGolf, as a team, we are proud to make clear to everyone that TopGolf is a special part of Cranston, Rhode Island. The City of Cranston, Rhode Island looks forward to working with and hosting this great destination venue,” – Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins, Cranston, Rhode Island

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