March Madness Returning to Providence

Get ready for the madness. Everyone's favorite college basketball tournament is right around the corner and you can catch the action in the Ocean State.

The weeks-long tourney features the top teams in the nation competing for the national title. From March 20-22, basketball fans will be able to catch the action in Providence as the city hosts the first two rounds.

Many New England teams have had success in the past, including the back-to-back champs from UCONN. Huskies coach Dan Hurley is the former University of Rhode Island head coach, but the local ties don't stop there.

Rhode Island Connections to NCAA Tournament

The Ocean State has many connections with the tournament. Providence College has had a few strong showings over the years with appearances in the Sweet 16 and the Final Four. Though the Friars have never captured a title, they've certainly been on many fans' radar.

The city of Providence is not only a great place to play basketball, it's also a great destination to watch games.

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March Madness Returning to Providence

This year, the Capital City is hosting opening rounds of the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. It's not the city's first go-around, as it has hosted the first and second rounds in 1975, '76, '79, '80, '81, '89, '96, 2010 and 2016.

"Hosting an event like March Madness requires strong partnerships and effective coordination. This involves collaboration with the host institution, the venue, city services, transportation, security, and more," said Jonathan Walker, Senior Director of Sports Sales for the Rhode Island Sports Commission.

College Hoops Impact Community

Hosting an event of this nature gives the whole community an opportunity to feel part of the action.

"We are preparing not only for an influx of visitors from the participating teams and their fan bases but also to welcome basketball fans from across New England," Walker said.

"We estimate a direct economic impact of $3.7 million from hosting the first and second round games, which will benefit communities throughout the state – this encompasses immediate spending by tourists on goods and services like accommodations, meals, and activities in and around Providence," he said.

The first and second rounds of the madness will be held at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence March 20-22.

"Having the city of Providence and the Amica Mutual Pavilion featured on national television during the Selection Sunday show and throughout the games fosters a sense of community pride and positive sentiment among residents," Walker said.