Rhode Island made a concerted effort to make the most of World Cup euphoria. It created a non-profit to help prepare for the tournament, and took advantage of the state’s proximity to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., to position Providence as an alternative to official host city Boston. A free trolley service from downtown Providence made it easier for fans to explore the area. And the Ghana Black Stars team chose Bryant University in Smithfield as its home base, bringing with them a wave of excitement as the tournament began.

Providence’s Fan Zone recorded approximately 125,000 visitors during the tournament, current estimates from the city show, and became the only official FIFA-sanctioned location in New England after Boston shut down its Fan Festival 16 days into the five week tournament, when the World Cup group matches were over.

“Our primary concern was getting people to Providence to watch the games, to enjoy the culture, and to spend some money while they’re here,” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said in an interview. “What I’ve heard is that people came.”

Read more here: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/22/metro/ri-providence-central-falls-world-cup-impact/

I drove past and saw the clothing biz that occupied the building closed and it just made me wish cable car would come back or something else like it. Yeah we have Avon but those seats are ATROCIOUS xD sitting on a couch just hit different for a theater. And knowing the theater experience is dying before our very eyes just makes me a bit nostalgic.

Send me a DM, because I found it.

Looking for some great paella nearby, thanks!

I see all the chairs outside. Has this actually opened yet? Is it just beer or are they doing some coffee and pastries too?

They showed nearly every game, the drinks weren’t astronomical, & was a free event (if you didn’t buy food etc)

I wish they’d do movie nights or something in that spot

The only downside was parking $$

It looks like my family reunion might be in Providence next summer. I'm looking for activities and venues that will make sense for ~30 people, mostly millennials and their parents, but a handful of lil kiddos as well. Any fun ideas?

At the Public Gallery and Shop! Around corner of Dike Street

Just saw that Hope & Main on Westminster is cleared out. What happened?

I plan on going this Friday (especially since audioflesh is guest dj) and I go to stuff alone sometimes, but if anyone else is going solo and wants to dance with an old goth queen, let me know. Strictly platonic. ❤️

I have a spare IMAX ticket (perfect seat) for 6pm today but can’t go because babysitter coverage fell through. Can someone swap for the 6pm or 9:45pm show tomorrow?

Are there any PVD bars with ping pong tables? Or any places with tables close to bars? I have a friend coming into town who really likes to play and want to find somewhere that can scratch the itch

If been checking the "tree of heaven" trees near the railroad lately and every one I see has thousands of the spotted laternfly nymphs on it and they look like they are nearing adult stage. I think we're about to see a biblical style plague of these things.

For anyone interested keep an eye out for the flyer, again it will be casual pace we will keep the pace of the slowest person so nobody gets left behind. We are planning for August 9th

Hey commuters! I am starting a job in Boston soon, it looks like the mbta will line up perfectly for getting me there and home. I am originally from Boston so navigating the city from South Station will be a no brainer but im curious what other commuters advice and experience doing this commute is? My train will be 4 30am and leave around 3:30pm mon.-fri. Are there a lot of delays? Construction? Resources to find this stuff out? Thanks in advance!

Hello! Looking for recs for restaurants that serve great pasta but also have vegan friendly options?

This is for a birthday so wanting it to be a little fancy but doesn’t have to be anything crazy
Ty!!

I’m kind of desperate but did anyone have Dr. Kelvin Gilman as their/their child’s pediatrician and know where he sent patient medical records to? I need my immunization report for school but his office is closed and there’s no way to contact anyone for information.

The Woops macarons kiosk is gone from the mall.

https://pvdeye.org/providence-resident-of-nearly-50-years-facing-ice-detention-says-immigrant-advocacy-group/

Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM) said Hong has attended routine immigration check-ins for close to 30 years, but in April, was given an ankle monitor and informed he would be detained soon. Hong’s next ICE check-in is on Wednesday, July 22.