Skip to main content
National Stadium to Remain Open During Redevelopment as Government Aligns Project with Economic Demand
Written by Leighton Levy. Posted in Sport. | 17 July 2025 | 1349 Views
Tags: Olivia Grange, National Stadium Redevelopment

The Jamaican Government is forging ahead with the long-anticipated redevelopment of the National Stadium, ensuring that the venue remains operational throughout the three-year construction period, even as the design and investment strategy is carefully aligned with local and international economic realities.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange made the announcement on Wednesday, emphasizing that the decision to keep the stadium open—despite extensive work beginning in 2026—is part of a broader, calculated approach to ensure the project meets both sporting and economic objectives.

“We can’t shut down the stadium,” Grange told journalists during a press conference at the ministry’s Trafalgar Road offices. “We always have these activities lined up annually, such as Boys and Girls Champs. So it will remain open during the renovations, but we will, of course, have scaled-down seating capacity.”

Grange stressed that a full economic and feasibility analysis—conducted during phase one of the project—was critical to shaping what will ultimately become Jamaica’s most important sporting and entertainment venue. “The study identifies local and international market demand,” she said, “to ensure that the design proposals are aligned with real economic use and potential.”

Construction is expected to begin by August 2025 and will last three years. The stadium, originally completed in 1962, will undergo a historic transformation led by UK firms Ryder Architecture and CAA ICON, under a UK-Jamaica cooperation agreement. Despite UK support, Grange was clear that the Government of Jamaica is the project’s primary funder, a point she reinforced repeatedly.

“The government is putting its money where its mouth is,” she said. “We are investing in Jamaican greatness.”

Among the key upgrades is a new roof structure that will cover approximately 90 per cent of the stadium, allowing for all-weather use and enhancing spectator comfort. Tiered parking facilities will address long-standing congestion issues, with 1,000 VIP parking spaces and 3,500 general parking spots, representing a 300 per cent increase in capacity.

The facility will feature individual seating to replace outdated bleachers, upgraded spectator amenities, and full compliance with FIFA and World Athletics standards. There will also be modern anti-doping and medical rooms, accessibility features for persons with disabilities, and enhanced media and broadcasting infrastructure.

“We are world leaders in track and field,” Grange said. “And we must have infrastructure that sustains our dominance. This is not just about keeping up appearances—it’s about maintaining our ability to host international events and compete for major opportunities.”

Premium additions include 30 hospitality boxes available for lease, two VIP and two VVIP zones, fully furnished lounges, and new concession areas. The plan also incorporates meeting and conference spaces, premium suites, and a national sports museum to celebrate Jamaica’s track and field legacy.

Though acknowledging the financial constraints of developing countries, Grange said the government was committed to building a stadium that would serve Jamaica well into the future.

“Unlike countries that can refurbish every five to ten years, we are building something that will be relevant for the next 30 years,” she said. “This is not a patch job. It’s a generational investment.”

She also underscored the economic potential of the facility once completed, noting that it will allow Jamaica to bid for high-level international sporting events. “That translates into tourism revenue, broadcast rights, job creation—real returns for Jamaica.”

The press conference marked the close of phase one of the redevelopment project. Phase two, which involves concept finaliSation and approvals, is set to begin later this year. The goal is to break ground in August 2025 and complete construction by 2029.

Grange closed by appealing to the media for support: “This project benefits athletes, fans, and the press. We’re building a stadium for Jamaica—let’s tell the story in a way that reflects that.”

LATEST STORIES