Rhode Island Gears Up For World Cup Tourism Boom With Launch Of Ocean State 2026 Initiative, Here’s What You Need To Know Now

Published on July 22, 2025

As the world moves toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Rhode Island is strategically preparing for the sizable economic opportunities that the international tournament stands to bring. Rhode Island won’t be the site of World Cup games during the FIFA tournament, but is sitting pretty next to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., which is hosting several World Cup matches, and thousands of international visitors, as a result. To harness that chance, Rhode Island’s leaders have formed Ocean State 2026, a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to make sure the state enjoys not only a surge in tourism but an impact on investments and the local economy from preparations for the event.

Ocean State 2026: Leadership and Vision

Governor Dan McKee formally announced the launch of Ocean State 2026 earlier this year, and Liz Tanner, who served as the former Commerce Secretary, was named Executive Director of the committee. Tanner, a veteran specialist in economic development, boasts years of experience and knowledge to the nonprofit’s leadership. The Board of Directors will include other prominent leaders, such as General Treasurer James Diossa serving as Chairman, and Ernie Almonte, Chairman of Rhode Island Convention Center Authority.

Ocean State 2026’s primary mission is to align the interests of state and local government officials, tourism entities and the FIFA World Cup Boston Host Committee in coordinating efforts to take advantage of the World Cup in Rhode Island. Boston may be hosting the tournament, Massachusetts the host state, but Rhode Island will reap the benefits, as fans and event participants descend on Providence to dine out and utilize hospitality services. With its close proximity to Gillette Stadium — a center for the World Cup — Rhode Island is an obvious place for among tourists to go.

Tourism Boost and Economic Opportunities

According to estimates, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will draw over 1 million visitors to the Greater Boston area, and Rhode Island is poised to tap into that flow. Ocean State 2026 plans to channel a significant portion of this tourism boost into Rhode Island’s economy, providing ample opportunities for local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and other service sectors to thrive.

The organization aims to enhance tourism infrastructure, increase hotel availability, and promote local attractions to ensure Rhode Island is seen as a desirable location for visitors attending the World Cup matches. With an estimated $330 million in economic activity generated by the World Cup in the Boston region, Rhode Island will work to capture a portion of this revenue by targeting international visitors who may choose to stay in Rhode Island and visit nearby attractions during their trip.

Key Strategies for Economic Growth

Ocean State 2026 will employ a multi-faceted approach to capture the World Cup tourism opportunity:

Sponsorship and Funding: The nonprofit will work closely with local businesses, state government, and international partners to secure funding and sponsorships for World Cup-related events, creating a sustainable financial model for long-term growth.

Marketing Campaigns: By working with Rhode Island’s tourism offices, Ocean State 2026 will launch a global marketing campaign that highlights Rhode Island’s unique attractions—from its coastal beauty and historic landmarks to its rich cultural experiences. The marketing materials will target international travelers, particularly from countries with significant soccer fanbases.

Promoting Local Events and Experiences: The nonprofit aims to create a host of cultural events, including live screenings of World Cup matches, public celebrations, and sports festivals to engage both tourists and locals. These events will create a welcoming environment for fans and contribute to a sense of community and celebration.

Infrastructure Enhancements: With an anticipated surge in visitors, Rhode Island plans to make strategic improvements to transportation, accommodation, and public facilities. Ocean State 2026 will collaborate with Rhode Island Department of Transportation to streamline travel access from Providence to Foxborough and enhance the visitor experience. Upgrades to airport services, public transit, and local amenities will ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay for visitors.

Supporting Local Businesses

A critical component of Ocean State 2026’s strategy is to support local businesses in Providence and surrounding areas. The World Cup will generate considerable demand for hospitality services, and the nonprofit is focusing on helping restaurants, retailers, transportation services, and tourism operators capitalize on the influx of visitors.

By collaborating with local chambers of commerce and small business organizations, Ocean State 2026 will ensure that Rhode Island’s businesses are well-prepared for the increased demand. The nonprofit also aims to create job opportunities for Rhode Island residents in hospitality, event management, and tourism services, further benefiting the state’s workforce.

Infrastructure Development and Community Legacy

In addition to the immediate financial gains, Ocean State 2026 is focused on leaving a lasting legacy from the World Cup. Rhode Island is set to receive substantial investments in public infrastructure, including upgrades to transportation networks, hotel accommodations, and cultural venues. This infrastructure will benefit both the tourism sector and the broader local economy.

One of the most ambitious plans for the future is the activation of Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket. While the stadium is not large enough to host World Cup matches, it can host exhibition games, community celebrations, and fan events related to the tournament. It will serve as a community space, making the World Cup experience more accessible to local residents and visitors alike.

A Collaborative Effort for Success

The success of Ocean State 2026 depends on the collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including local government, private sector partners, and tourism organizations. The nonprofit has already secured significant support from Rhode Island tourism bureaus, business leaders, and community organizations. This broad support ensures that Rhode Island can fully capitalize on the World Cup’s economic potential.

Governor Dan McKee and Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos have both expressed enthusiasm for the project, recognizing that the World Cup represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Rhode Island. By creating a platform for collaboration, Ocean State 2026 aims to ensure that the benefits of the World Cup are shared by all Rhode Islanders.

Looking to the Future: Legacy and Long-Term Benefits

As Rhode Island prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the state is not only focused on maximizing short-term tourism benefits but also ensuring long-term economic growth. The infrastructure improvements, increased visibility as a tourist destination, and support for local businesses will have lasting effects on the state’s economy, particularly in sectors like hospitality, real estate, and transportation.

The World Cup will serve as a global stage to showcase the best of Rhode Island, from its beautiful coastline to its rich history and vibrant culture. Ocean State 2026’s efforts will help cement Rhode Island’s reputation as a premier tourist destination and ensure that the state’s tourism infrastructure is equipped to handle future global events.

Conclusion: A Historic Opportunity for Rhode Island

The Ocean State 2026 campaign is an ambitious and visionary plan to use the 2026 FIFA World Cup as an opportunity to elevate Rhode Island. With the increasing visitation,as well as directing how and where future infrastructure is placed, the non-profit wants to ensure a positive impact and lasting legacy for generations to come. As the state forges ahead with plans, it can proudly use the global World Cup to make Rhode Island a more a more prosperous and connected place for generations to come.