Mayor Brett Smiley, Officials Welcome the World to PVD FanZone

PROVIDENCE, RI - Mayor Brett P. Smiley, Governor Dan McKee, Treasurer James Diossa, Providence City Councilman John Goncalves, Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor, Rhode Island Summer of Soccer, the Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism, the Providence Tourism Council, local official and community partners today welcomed residents and visitors to the opening of the PVD FanZone at Station Park, an officially designated FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone that will serve as the centerpiece of Rhode Island's Summer of Soccer.

Running from June 11 through July 19, the free event series features live broadcasts of every FIFA World Cup 2026 match on a giant video screen, along with live entertainment, cultural programming, food trucks, interactive games and a beer, wine and spirits garden. Located between Providence Place Mall and the Providence Amtrak/MBTA station, the FanZone is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the globe while showcasing Providence's arts, culture, restaurants and hospitality.

"This is an exciting moment for Providence and for Rhode Island," said Mayor Brett Smiley. "Today, we welcome the world to our Creative Capital and officially kick off a summer unlike any other in our history. The PVD FanZone creates a place where residents and visitors can come together to celebrate the world's game while experiencing everything that makes Providence special, from our vibrant arts scene and incredible restaurants to our diverse neighborhoods and welcoming community."

Opening Day festivities feature live entertainment and match watch parties beginning at 1 p.m., including Mexico vs. South Africa and South Korea vs. Czechia. Throughout the tournament, the Fan Zone will host themed activations and cultural celebrations, including Team Ghana welcome events, Team Germany, Canada and Scotland Fan Zone takeovers, a Portugal Futebol Experience and special programming connected to major citywide events including WaterFire, Rhode Island PrideFest, PVDFest, Juneteenth celebrations and Independence Day festivities.

"The Summer of Soccer is here, and Rhode Island is ready to welcome the world's game and its fans," said Governor Dan McKee. "The PVD FanZone is a great place to watch the action, whether you're visiting or from right here in Rhode Island. It also showcases everything that makes Providence special, from our arts and culture to our incredible restaurants. Simply put: Rhode Island is the place to be this summer."

"As Rhode Island prepares to welcome visitors from around the world, Ocean State 2026 was proud to support the creation of the PVD FanZone and help bring this incredible opportunity to our capital city," said Treasurer James Diossa. "The FIFA World Cup is more than a sporting event-it's a chance to showcase Rhode Island's vibrant communities and world-class hospitality. The FanZone creates a welcoming space for residents and visitors to come together, celebrate the world's game and experience everything that makes Providence and Rhode Island special. Thank you to Mayor Smiley and his administration for their work on bringing the PVD FanZone to life."

The FanZone is a key component of Rhode Island's broader Summer of Soccer initiative, which leverages Providence's proximity to Boston Stadium to generate economic activity, support local businesses and introduce visitors to New England's Creative Capital. State officials estimate the tournament will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Southern New England and generate significant economic impact across the region.

"Providence is ready to welcome the world," said Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1). "As the official base camp for Team Ghana, host of the Portugal Futebol Experience, and a gathering place for fans from Scotland, Haiti, Canada, England, Germany, and beyond, the PVD FanZone is an incredible opportunity to celebrate our diversity, support local businesses and showcase why the Creative Capital is one of the most vibrant, welcoming and culturally rich cities in America."

The FanZone will remain open on match days throughout the tournament, culminating with watch parties for the semifinal matches, third-place match and FIFA World Cup 2026 Final on July 19. Daily schedules, entertainment listings and visitor information are available at PVDFanZone.com.

"We are thrilled to host the state's official FanZone in the heart of the Creative Capital," said Joe Wilson Jr., Director of the Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism. "This once-in-a-generation event allows us to showcase Providence's creativity, culture and hospitality to a global audience while creating opportunities for local artists, performers, vendors and businesses."

Residents and visitors are encouraged to use public transportation when possible. The FanZone is located steps from Providence Station and within walking distance of downtown hotels, restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions. This FIFA sanctioned FanZone is being produced by the Department of Art, Culture and Tourism and the Providence Tourism Council.

For a complete schedule of matches, entertainment and special events, visit PVDFanZone.com.

The PVD FanZone is made possible in collaboration with the City of Providence Office of Mayor Brett P. Smiley, FIFA World Cup, FIFA World Cup Boston 26, Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism, the Providence Tourism Council, Rhode Island Summer of Soccer, the Providence City Council, Airbnb, Casamigos, Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Telemundo, North American Crane & Rigging, Waste Management, Raising Cane's, PF Chang's, Interstate Rental, the Consulate General of Canada, the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, the British Consulate-General Boston, the Ghana Tourism Authority, New Bridges for Haitian Success, Tribe Culture Fest, United Way of Rhode Island, RAMP, Commerce RI, and GoProvidence.

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