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After months of buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the soccer tournament is now here in Rhode Island.
In particular, it's in downtown Providence and around Station Park where the state's official FanZone is opening for the first match of the tournament on Thursday, June 11.
Street closures, a drone ban, crowds around the Providence Place mall and bagpipe music are some of the things locals can expect until July 19.
Finance Way, which separates Station Park from Waterplace Park, is already closed to all automobile traffic from Francis Street to Exchange Street. The public safety mobile command center for the event will be on Finance Way if any visitors need assistance.
Gaspee Street from Smith Street to Francis Street will be reduced to one lane for most of the World Cup and will likely be fully closed at certain points during the tournament. Vehicles have been allowed to turn onto Gaspee Street south from Smith Street toward Francis, but not the other direction.
Francis Street between Station Park and the Providence Place mall, a site of frequent triple parking, is not scheduled to close to traffic but may be even messier than usual.
The FanZone will show every match of the tournament on big screens set up throughout the park.
If you go, do not bring large bags or backpacks.
Outside food, beverages, aerosol cans, bicycles, skateboards, weapons, inflatables, scooters, fireworks, strollers, laser pointers, flags larger than 2 meters and "political, offensive, discriminatory, or commercial signage/materials" are prohibited.
There will be security checks at the entrances to the FanZone.
The Rhode Island State House will be open during the tournament. Lawmakers expect to complete the final busy days of their annual legislative session by Friday, June 12, just as the tournament is kicking into gear.
There may be additional measures to prevent parking in the surface lots that ring the capitol.
The partial closure of Gaspee Street will cause detours for routes 50, 55, 56 and 57 through June 30.
Pickup spots for ride-hail apps have been set up east of Station Park on Exchange Street and Railroad Street.
The Federal Aviation Administration drone ban started June 1 and last until July 21.
It prohibits the flying of any unmanned aircraft in a 1-nautical-mile radius around the Graduate Hotel in downtown Providence, where the Ghana national team and various dignitaries are staying. That covers not only all of downtown but also portions of the East Side, Federal Hill and the hospital complex.
There's also a drone exclusion zone at Bryant University in Smithfield, where the Ghana team is training.
Scotland – The Scottish national team is playing two matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, and its fans have made Providence an unofficial home base.
Scottish supporters, known as the Tartan Army, are holding a festival at 195 District Park on June 18. It will be kicked off by an afternoon bagpipe-led march through downtown.
Portugal – The Portugal national team doesn't have any matches scheduled in Foxboro, but in recognition of the large Portuguese population in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, the Casa de Portugal has been set up in Waterplace Park.
Also known as Puma's House of Portugal, it will feature "celebrity appearances, fan engagement events, retail and merchandise offerings ... and tourism showcases highlighting both Portugal and Rhode Island’s Portuguese heritage," according to a news release.
Rhode Island lawmakers in May agreed to let bars and restaurants that get local approval stay open until 3 a.m. during the World Cup tournament.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: World Cup PVD FanZone is ramping up in Providence. Here's what to know
Continue reading...
In particular, it's in downtown Providence and around Station Park where the state's official FanZone is opening for the first match of the tournament on Thursday, June 11.
Street closures, a drone ban, crowds around the Providence Place mall and bagpipe music are some of the things locals can expect until July 19.
Street closures
Finance Way, which separates Station Park from Waterplace Park, is already closed to all automobile traffic from Francis Street to Exchange Street. The public safety mobile command center for the event will be on Finance Way if any visitors need assistance.
You must be registered for see images
Gaspee Street from Smith Street to Francis Street will be reduced to one lane for most of the World Cup and will likely be fully closed at certain points during the tournament. Vehicles have been allowed to turn onto Gaspee Street south from Smith Street toward Francis, but not the other direction.
Francis Street between Station Park and the Providence Place mall, a site of frequent triple parking, is not scheduled to close to traffic but may be even messier than usual.
No bags, weapons, etc.
The FanZone will show every match of the tournament on big screens set up throughout the park.
If you go, do not bring large bags or backpacks.
Outside food, beverages, aerosol cans, bicycles, skateboards, weapons, inflatables, scooters, fireworks, strollers, laser pointers, flags larger than 2 meters and "political, offensive, discriminatory, or commercial signage/materials" are prohibited.
There will be security checks at the entrances to the FanZone.
The Rhode Island State House will be open during the tournament. Lawmakers expect to complete the final busy days of their annual legislative session by Friday, June 12, just as the tournament is kicking into gear.
There may be additional measures to prevent parking in the surface lots that ring the capitol.
RIPTA and ride hail
The partial closure of Gaspee Street will cause detours for routes 50, 55, 56 and 57 through June 30.
Pickup spots for ride-hail apps have been set up east of Station Park on Exchange Street and Railroad Street.
No drones
The Federal Aviation Administration drone ban started June 1 and last until July 21.
It prohibits the flying of any unmanned aircraft in a 1-nautical-mile radius around the Graduate Hotel in downtown Providence, where the Ghana national team and various dignitaries are staying. That covers not only all of downtown but also portions of the East Side, Federal Hill and the hospital complex.
There's also a drone exclusion zone at Bryant University in Smithfield, where the Ghana team is training.
Scotland – The Scottish national team is playing two matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, and its fans have made Providence an unofficial home base.
Scottish supporters, known as the Tartan Army, are holding a festival at 195 District Park on June 18. It will be kicked off by an afternoon bagpipe-led march through downtown.
You must be registered for see images
Portugal – The Portugal national team doesn't have any matches scheduled in Foxboro, but in recognition of the large Portuguese population in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, the Casa de Portugal has been set up in Waterplace Park.
Also known as Puma's House of Portugal, it will feature "celebrity appearances, fan engagement events, retail and merchandise offerings ... and tourism showcases highlighting both Portugal and Rhode Island’s Portuguese heritage," according to a news release.
Late-night watch parties
Rhode Island lawmakers in May agreed to let bars and restaurants that get local approval stay open until 3 a.m. during the World Cup tournament.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: World Cup PVD FanZone is ramping up in Providence. Here's what to know
Continue reading...
