Rhode Island Convention Center to welcome Naval midshipmen for Army-Navy game

PROVIDENCE, R.I (WLNE) — The annual Army-Navy game is drawing large crowds and events to Providence all weekend.

The United States Naval Academy is bringing 750 underclassmen midshipmen to Providence and they will be staying in the Rhode Island Convention Center ahead of the big game.

“I think it is a great fit for Rhode Island and the history of Rhode Island and how much the Navy has played an important role in this state from Newport and the bases that used to be in Quonset,” Rhode Island Convention Center and Amica Mutual Pavilion General Manager Lawrence Lepore said. “Two U.S. presidents have served in the Navy in this state.”

The plan to host the midshipmen has been in the works for almost six years now.

“After 9/11 and COVID-19, we had converted this location into a hospital and a vaccination site,” Lepore said. “We became a group that felt like we could do just about anything.”

The convention center prepared for the Naval Academy’s arrival with 750 cots laid out, divided by the 500 men and 250 women.

They also have portable showers and towels on site for the students to use.

GoProvidence is expecting the game to have a $3.1 million positive impact on the city.

ABC 6 News put together a guide for what to know ahead of the game at Gillette Stadium.