Providence chosen to host 2016 NCAA games

November 17, 2014 2:56 pm

The Capitol City is expecting a major boost in revenue come 2016 now that Providence is hosting the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament.

“We did some estimates and it looks like somewhere around the 3 and a half million dollar mark will be poured into our economy over the course of the few days that the tournament is in Providence,” said the President and CEO of the Providence and Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The last time March Madness came to the area was in 2010. At that time local businesses saw a big bump.

“It was probably the best weekend we have had since we’ve been open and we’re just about to celebrate our 20th year,” said Joshua Miller the Owner of the Trinity Brew House.

Officials expect at least that type of impact two years from now in 2016 and they say the money won’t just be in Providence.

“Many of the teams will stay in Warwick hotels. The fans have an off day on Tuesday, so many of them will venture out around the state,” said Sheridan.

As for attendance at the games…

“We will sell out in advance. 12,909 will be the attendance,” said Larry Lepore the General Manager at the Dunkin Donuts Center.

The tournament hosted by the Dunkin and Donuts Center and Providence College is scheduled for March 17 and 19th.

“For the last couple of years we’ve put in the application every year hoping and praying, and hoping and praying and the news today was just great,” said Lepore.

The Visitors Bureau tell ABC 6 News they’ll be putting together a host committee to coordinate special activities while the tournament is in town.