Providence Prepares to Host 2016 NCAA Tournament Games on March 17 & 19

Providence Prepares to Host 2016 NCAA Tournament Games on March 17 & 19

The NCAA Tournament is set to return to Providence on March 17 and 19 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center when the first and second rounds will be played.

“We estimate that this event will pump $3.4 million into the Rhode Island economy. The bulk of fans that have already purchased tickets are from outside of Rhode Island and that’s before we even know which teams will be playing here,” said Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB), which is handling the hospitality-related logistics of the event through its RI Sports Commission Division. 

The Dunkin' Donuts Center will host two rounds of two games each on Thursday, March 17 and one, two game session on Saturday, March 19. The times of those games and who is playing will be known on Sunday, March 13. Selection Sunday.

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Providence College is serving as the local host teams for the event.

“We are thrilled to serve as host for the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. Hosting an event of this magnitude is an honor, and we take the responsibility very seriously. We are very fortunate to have great partnerships with city and state officials, law enforcement and the PWCVB. Together, we are prepared to put on a great tournament and welcome thousands of basketball fans to our great city,” said Robert Driscoll, associate vice president and athletics director at Providence College.

Selling Providence

Once the teams are announced, the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) will launch a targeted marketing push in the cities in which the teams play. The push will include press releases and social media advertising.

“Our team at the venue is looking forward to the arrival of teams and fans from across the country. We are eager to open our doors and are confident in providing what is sure to be a memorable experience for all," said Lawrence Lepore, general manager of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. 

Representatives from the PWCVB, Providence College, the City of Providence and the Providence Police Department have held a series of informational sessions for local businesses in the downtown and Federal Hill neighborhoods to go over the scheduled for the week, NCAA trademark restriction, information about permitting and more.

About 150 people attended those events.

Providence Warwick Convention and Visitos Bureau

The Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create vibrant growth for the local hospitality economy by promoting, developing, and expanding a united visitor industry.

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