Refurbished Stadium East to support National Stadium redevelopment

Following the completion of an assessment and feasibility study last year, work on the long-anticipated redevelopment of the National Stadium is scheduled to begin in 2027, according to Minister of Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange.

Grange said the feasibility study and structural assessment were completed in the last quarter of 2025 with promising findings.

“The feasibility study and assessment was successfully completed in the last quarter of 2025. The findings established that the proposed redevelopment is both feasible and strategically important to advancing the country’s sport and cultural activities,” Grange said.

She noted that the upgraded facility will significantly increase seating capacity.

“The seating capacity is expected to increase by 10,000 seats for patrons and will accommodate 50,000 patrons at events,” the minister noted.

Grange made the announcement during a media briefing at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) office in Kingston yesterday. She stated that the new design will feature multiple new stands and expanded roofing coverage, while preserving the historic grandstand.

“There will be new stands at various levels, and all stands except the grandstand will be covered by a sweeping roof. The grandstand roofing will be maintained because that is being treated as a heritage structure that the overhead arch will remain,” she said, while noting that the structure remains as strong as when it was first erected.

Grange also pointed out that the Stadium East facility will play a crucial role during the construction phase of the National Stadium, as it will be upgraded to facilitate a number of sporting events.

“It is proposed that Stadium East, and this is new information, will be refurbished for all activities and will accommodate them while the National Stadium is under construction,” Grange said.

She underscored that the refurbished Stadium East will include modern facilities to support both athletes and patrons.

“The facilities will include modern changing rooms, medical areas for athletes and patrons, an anti-doping testing area, concession areas, restrooms, throwing areas, and a running track,” she said.

Grange also stated that the upgraded Stadium East will also help to ease the burden on the National Stadium.

“It would facilitate some of the smaller events that currently take place in the National Stadium and provide improved facilities for patrons, officials and athletes using Stadium East as a warmup area,” Grange added.