Rhode Island is scoring big in sports tourism, proving athletics are a major economic engine for the state. While March Madness tends to grab headlines, it's merely the kickoff to a bustling season filled with exciting competitions. These events consistently fill hotels, pack restaurants, and support local businesses across the region.
“The impact of sports tourism during the first quarter is huge,” says Tom Riel, senior vice president at the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB). “Sports-related events account for more than 75 percent of our total event-generated room nights, attendees, and spending.”
In just the first quarter of 2025, the Rhode Island Sports Commission expects sports-related events and meetings to generate around $18 million in direct spending. This economic boost comes from 15 major events bringing in over 78,000 visitors, who will book more than 22,000 hotel rooms throughout Providence, Warwick, and neighboring towns, significantly benefiting local businesses.
A variety of sports drives this tourism boom. Cheerleaders, gymnasts, volleyball players, and hockey fans from around the country are flocking to Rhode Island, transforming the colder months into thriving periods of tourism and economic growth. Their presence helps hotels stay full, restaurants remain lively, and small businesses flourish, even during traditionally slower winter months.
Jonathan Walker, senior director of sports sales at the Rhode Island Sports Commission, credits the state's strong sports infrastructure for its success. “From nationally televised competitions to grassroots recreational tournaments, Rhode Island offers something unique,” says Walker. “Our facilities keep evolving, accommodating the growth of recurring events and attracting new ones.”
Highlights this season include major cheerleading competitions like the Athletic Championships Grand Nationals and Spirit Fest Grand Nationals, each attracting approximately 15,000 participants and spectators. Ice rinks from Cranston to Woonsocket, along with venues such as Tiverton’s Longplex Family & Sports Center, will also host thousands of athletes and fans, further fueling Rhode Island's thriving sports tourism industry.
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