Hours-Long Wait at Broken Machine at RI Convention Center Garage Requires Police Response

Hours-Long Wait at Broken Machine at RI Convention Center Garage Requires Police Response

Providence Police were called to the Rhode Island Convention Center parking garage on Saturday after a broken credit card machine caused a massive backup of vehicles — and “annoyed” patrons.

According to reports, police were required to let customers exit the facility without paying, due to the faulty equipment, backup, and public safety issue. 

This weekend, the Convention Center hosted "Spirit Fest," expected to bring in over 17,000 visitors. 

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It marks the latest facility failure for the Convention Center Authority following the nationally televised game in February when the then #11 Providence College men's basketball team defeated the Xavier Musketeers, 99-92, in triple overtime — in a game that was further delayed by a wet court.

 

About Saturday’s Incident 

Shortly after noon on Saturday, police were called to 99 West Exchange Street — the Convention Center South Garage — for a report of “people annoyed.”

According to police, multiple callers reported waiting up to two hours to leave the facility and were still unable to exit. 

Police report that Convention Center employees reported there were “technical difficulties” at a ticket processing machine that would need over an hour to fix.

At that point, police let all patrons in line exit the facility without paying due to the public safety hazard.