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8/10/2023
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Legislators join Bally's for opening of Event Lawn
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STATE HOUSE — Bally’s officially opened the Bally’s Event Lawn Wednesday, a 45,000 square foot area of open space located within the seven-acre 195 District Park and in so doing, helps to preserves a critical area of downtown open space for generations to come.
On hand to participate in the official ribbon cutting ceremony were Governor Dan McKee, Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), Sen. Frank A. Ciccone III (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston), Sen. Tiara Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence), City of Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Marc Crisafulli, Chair of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission and Craig Eaton, President of Rhode Island Operations for Bally’s.
Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi added, “This new Event Lawn, along with the company’s corporate offices in Providence, two casinos and a Technology office located in Warwick certainly signals a deep and ongoing commitment to the State of Rhode Island, not just as an important source of revenue for our State but as an active corporate citizen deeply ingrained in the fabric of our community.”
Senator Frank Ciccone applauded Bally’s Corporation for its continued commitment to its home state of Rhode Island. “Bally’s has been a tremendous partner for Rhode Island, and legislation we enacted in June of 2021, part of it realized here today, strengthened this partnership while protecting the State’s third largest source of revenue. Even as the company grows worldwide, Bally’s continues to call Rhode Island home and Rhode Island continues to benefit from their investment in our State.”
“Bally’s is pleased to sponsor this section of the 195 District Park and preserve it as open space for all to enjoy,” noted Mr. Eaton. “In addition to serving as an outdoor area for workday respite and neighborhood gatherings, it is our hope that the space will serve as an ideal location for special events, a celebration of the diverse Providence culture and a center of downtown outdoor activity.”
“We know consumer demand for vibrant, walkable downtown cities in which to live and work is a key criteria to not just relocation, but to keep Rhode Islanders in Rhode Island,” said Governor McKee. “The success of the Redevelopment District is a result of its unique public-private partnership and a cornerstone of the State’s revitalization strategy to attract new industry and new housing to our capital city. I am grateful to Bally’s for its commitment to preserve this beautiful open space and help to fulfill the mission of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission.”
“Two things any city need to thrive is open space for neighbors to gather and a business community that’s dedicated to giving back. The Bally’s Event Lawn is a bright example of both,” said Lt. Governor Matos. “I applaud Bally’s for taking an active role in helping foster a healthier community, protect and enhance the natural environment, and improve the quality of life for residents and workers in Providence, its corporate headquarters location.”
The Bally’s Event Lawn is bounded by the Providence River and the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge, Peck and Dyer streets and marked by colorful banners bearing the Bally’s name. The Guild PVD Beer Garden is located within the Event Lawn. Bally’s committed to naming rights for the park as part of the 2021 Marc A. Crisafulli Economic Development Act, a $225 million capital infusion and jobs development act, for a period of 20 years (through June 2041) at an investment of $2.2 million.
Mayor Brett Smiley noted, “One of the many reasons why Providence is such a great city is its incredible mix of office space, downtown housing opportunities and thriving open space. The 195 District Park is arguably one of downtown’s most precious jewels and it is reliant on public-private partnerships supported in part by neighbors in the District. I thank Bally’s for being one of those partners who, through its 20-year naming rights, helps to ensure the vibrancy and viability of this park.”
For more information, contact:
Larry Berman, Communications Director for the Office of the Speaker
State House Room 322
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2466
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