Finding the exact Roger Williams University Field House address is essential if you're attending a varsity basketball game, an admissions event, or a regional athletic tournament in Bristol, Rhode Island. The facility sits at One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, right on the main campus overlooking Mount Hope Bay.
Navigating to campus can be tricky since rural New England roads merge into university property quickly. This guide breaks down exact directions, parking tips, facility hours, and what to expect when you arrive on site.
Exact Location and Mailing Address
The field house is integrated directly into the university's main athletic complex on the Bristol peninsula. While university mail goes to the central campus receiving department, visitors and delivery drivers use specific campus entrance gates.
- Street Address: One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809
- Campus Zone: North athletics precinct, adjacent to the Campus Recreation Center and varsity playing fields.
- GPS Coordinates: Entering "Roger Williams University Athletics" into Apple Maps or Google Maps routes you straight to the main campus entrance off Route 114 (Metacom Avenue).
When you turn onto Old Ferry Road from Metacom Avenue, follow the main loop past the entrance gatehouse. The field house sits on the left, flanked by dedicated visitor parking lots that put you within a two-minute walk of the main entrance doors.
Getting There: Travel and Transit Options
Driving is the primary way to reach the Bristol campus, as public transit options directly to the athletic facilities are limited.
Driving From Providence and Points North
Take Interstate 95 South or Interstate 195 East toward Fall River, then take Route 136 South toward Swansea and Warren. Cross the Braga Bridge or stay on Route 114 South through Warren into Bristol. Turn right onto Old Ferry Road. The drive takes roughly 35 minutes depending on traffic along the Route 114 corridor.
Driving From Newport and Points South
Head north on Route 114 over the Mount Hope Bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge into Bristol, turn left at the traffic light onto Old Ferry Road. You'll see the campus entrance on your right.
Public Transit and Rideshares
RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) operates the RIPTA Route 60 bus line, which runs between Providence and Newport along Route 114. You can request a drop-off near Old Ferry Road, though you'll face a 10-to-15-minute walk up the access road to reach the field house. Uber and Lyft drivers service the Bristol campus regularly, with designated drop-off zones directly outside the athletic lobby.
Facility Hours and Access Policies
Operational schedules shift between the academic semester, winter term, and summer break. Knowing when the building is open prevents wasted trips.
- Fall and Spring Semesters: Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM; weekends from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Academic Breaks and Summer: Reduced hours typically run from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, with weekend closures or limited access.
- Student and Staff Access: Current RWU students and employees swipe their valid campus ID cards at the turnstiles for entry to the fitness floor, courts, and indoor track.
- Visitor and Spectator Access: Doors open 60 minutes prior to ticketed athletic events or scheduled community functions. General visitors without a university ID must enter through the main lobby and check in at the welcome desk.
Parking Logistics on Game Days
Parking on campus is free for standard visitors, but space fills up fast during Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) basketball matchups or admissions open houses.
- Primary Visitor Lot: Located directly in front of the athletics complex. Arrive at least 30 minutes before tip-off to secure a spot close to the entrance.
- Overflow Parking: If the main lot is full, campus security directs vehicles to the lots surrounding the Roger Williams University School of Law or the central academic quad parking garage, which adds a 5-to-7-minute walk.
- Accessible Parking: Designated ADA spaces sit directly adjacent to the main automatic doors. A valid state-issued handicap placard or license plate is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an admission fee to enter the field house?
Walking into the building for standard recreation or student use requires an RWU ID. Attending varsity athletic games like men's and women's basketball usually requires purchasing a ticket at the door, with discounts for students, seniors, and children.
Can community members use the athletic facilities?
The university offers specific community membership programs for local residents, granting access to the pool, fitness center, and indoor track during designated off-peak hours. Contact the campus recreation office directly to check current community pass availability and pricing.
Are locker rooms and showers available for visitors?
Yes, fully equipped men's and women's locker rooms with showers are located on the ground floor near the main gymnasium courts. Bring your own padlock if you plan to use a day locker during your workout.
What bag policies are enforced during large events?
For high-attendance events like commencement or postseason tournament games, the university may enforce a clear-bag policy. Large backpacks and duffel bags are generally prohibited inside the seating bowl on game days.
