Rhode Island Is Trying to Lure Patriots

Joseph R. Paolino Jr., Rhode Island’s economic development director, confirmed Monday that he has tried to persuade New England Patriot owner Victor Kiam to move the team to Providence.

Kiam met with Gov. Bruce G. Sundlun about two weeks ago, but it was an introductory meeting and there were no substantive talks, Paolino said.

Paolino, a former Providence mayor, said he met with Kiam about a year ago to suggest a possible move. Most recently as a state official, Paolino has concentrated on getting Kiam to keep the Patriot training camp at Bryant College in Smithfield, instead of moving it to Boston University.

Kiam has repeatedly said that he is unhappy with with his 10-year lease at Foxboro Stadium. The Patriots have played in the 61,000-seat stadium for 20 years.