Adriana Bruzzese
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Today, the property along Newport Avenue is known as a busy shopping and dining destination spanning Pawtucket and East Providence. But long before the plaza existed, the area was home to one of New England’s best-known horse racing venues.
Narragansett Park opened in 1934 on the site of the former What Cheer Airport in Pawtucket. More than 37,000 people attended opening day, and that Labor Day, the crowd grew to approximately 54,000 spectators — then the largest attendance ever recorded for a sporting event in Rhode Island.
The racetrack quickly became a regional destination. Special trains known as the “Gansett Specials” brought racegoers directly from Boston, while famous visitors included Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Rooney and other well-known figures of the era.
The track also played a role in the early career of legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, who won at Narragansett Park in 1935 and set track records there. Racing history is still reflected in nearby street names including Seabiscuit Place, War Admiral Place and Whirlaway Place.
Narragansett Park was also the site of several memorable moments. In 1937, a dispute between Rhode Island Governor Robert Quinn and racetrack executive Walter O’Hara became so intense that the National Guard was sent to the property in an episode that became known as the “Racetrack War.”
In 1942, approximately 35,000 spectators gathered to watch Triple Crown winner Whirlaway face rival Alsab in a highly anticipated match race. Alsab won by a nose.
After decades of racing, changing entertainment habits and declining attendance began to take their toll. Narragansett Park held its final day of racing on Labor Day 1978, ending more than 40 years of racing history.
After racing ended in 1978, the former Narragansett Park property entered a new chapter. The site was sold to the City of Pawtucket in 1979 and later opened to redevelopment. Carpionato Group acquired a portion of the former racetrack property and, in 1985, transformed it into Narragansett Park Plaza.
When originally developed, Narragansett Park featured approximately 230,270 square feet of retail, restaurants, gyms and other businesses, including Stop & Shop, Ames, Friendly’s, Woodworkers Warehouse, Toy Works, The Weathervane, Stewart’s, Bertucci’s, Papa Gino’s and Holiday Matrix Fitness Center.
As the years went by, the center changed with the times. New businesses such as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Courtesy Cleaners and Town Fair Tire replaced some of the original retailers, while the closure of several larger stores eventually created an opportunity for another transformation.
The redevelopment is bringing a new mix of businesses along Newport Avenue, beginning with a new Taco Bell that helped set the broader redevelopment into motion, followed by Verizon, Starbucks, Pollo Campero, Wendy’s, Planet Fitness and more to come.
Once complete, the property will grow to approximately 252,587 square feet, adding more than 22,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, fitness and other commercial space.
From record-breaking crowds and legendary racehorses to shopping, dining and new development, Narragansett Park has continued to evolve for generations.
From racetracks to retail, Narragansett Park has always been a destination — and now, it’s ready for its next lap.
