Rhode Island Sports Commission

Jonathan Walker Elevated to Executive Director of RI Sports Commission

Providence, RI – The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) proudly announces the promotion of Jonathan Walker to Executive Director of the Rhode Island Sports Commission (RISC), a division of the PWCVB. A driving force behind the state’s sports tourism success since 2019, Walker steps into this expanded leadership role after serving as Senior Director of Sports Sales — a position in which he helped promote Rhode Island as a premier destination for sporting events.

From Hotels to Hoops: GoProvidence’s Journey to Hosting the NCAA Tournament

The phrase “it takes a village” perfectly describes how we approach large-scale meetings, conventions and sporting events. When planning major competitions like NCAA tournaments, the Rhode Island Sports Commission assembles a dedicated team of key stakeholders, our Local Organizing Committee (LOC), to transform months of work into seamless championship experiences.

Friars, Bears and Rams: Meet Rhode Island’s College Mascots

We may be the smallest state, but with our large number of colleges and universities across the state, Rhode Island’s collegiate athletics programs provide a vast platform for youth athletes to compete on campuses throughout the state, many of which lie right here in Providence. 

Team Spirit: Providence Hotels Supporting the Local Community

As the Senior Director of Sports Sales for the Rhode Island Sports Commission, I spend a lot of time talking about the great things Providence has to offer in terms of competition venues and hotel space. I always mention the sense of community made possible by Rhode Island’s small size, but every now and then, we get to see it in action. Recently, I had the opportunity to demonstrate that tight-knit community to a visiting tournament housing partner. 

Sports Commissions Punching Above Their Weight

The sports tourism industry continues to rise to new levels with each passing year, as it has not only recovered from COVID, but surpassed the pre-COVID years in many aspects. However, the upswing in sports business being brought into destinations has not correlated directly to local CVBs and sports commissions expanding their dedicated sports staff. While some of the larger cities across the United States may have sports divisions that reach double-digit full-time employees, that is the exception, not the rule.

Providence Warwick CVB Names Jonathan Walker as Director of Sports Sales

The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau has promoted Jonathan Walker to director of sports sales within the Rhode Island Sports Commission. Walker, who joined the team in 2019, most recently served as Sports Sales Manager. The RISC brought in nearly 78,000 hotel room nights in fiscal year 2023 with an estimated direct spend close

Event Highlight: 77th NACIVT

Learn more about this unique event we are hosting this weekend!

Rhode Island will have big role in helping host Army-Navy football game

It is an honor to welcome the Army-Navy Game, one of the great traditions in all of American athletics, to New England for the first time in the 124-year history of America’s Game!

Maximizing your Sports Experience in the Ocean State

We all know the games don’t end after the final whistle – Rhode Island’s fun family attractions, pristine beaches and award-winning restaurants offer plenty for athletes and their families to do after the game.