(WJAR) — The Rhode Island Sports Commission said sports tourism is expected to bring in nearly $18 million in direct spending in the first quarter of 2025.
According to the commission, that includes 15 sporting events, over 22,000 contracted hotel room nights and 78,550 estimated attendees in Providence, Warwick and surrounding communities in the first three months of the year.
The 2025 NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Championship is expected to have around $3.7 million in estimated direct economic impact and the 2025 Spirit Fest Grand Nationals—a cheerleading event—is expected to have almost $3 million in estimated direct economic impact.
“From recreational and participatory sports that book tournaments, clinics, and camps to some of the largest nationally televised championships– it all takes place here in RI,” Jonathan Walker, senior director of sports sales for the Rhode Island Sports Commission, said in a statement. “These events fill hotel rooms, book space in our convention center, bring in families and fans from across the country, and utilize facilities around the state. All of that means business for Rhode Island.”
Hotel Providence is seeing the uptick firsthand.
“It’s definitely been a great increase this year,” Devon Smith, the director of sales and marketing said. “Volleyball has been big the past month or so. Great turnout for all the sports which is great to see all the kids around and exploring Providence.”
When the teams playing in Providence for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament are announced, just 96 hours before they play, hotels are expecting an influx of bookings.
“Once the teams get announced, I know it’ll sell out immediately,” she said. “I know we have some bookings already from it, just because some people like to try to plan ahead. But once they announce those teams, the rooms are going to go so fast. We have a restaurant on property for breakfast and dinner. So it helps with that. It helps, you know, our front desk and the hours and everything. So overall, it just helps business and keeps us going, keeps us excited.”
NBC 10’s Gabrielle Caracciolo contributed to this report.