Major redevelopment of National Stadium to begin August 2027

Plans are on course for the major redevelopment of Jamaica’s National Stadium, with a groundbreaking ceremony expected ahead of the start of construction.

Sports Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange gave updates on repair and redevelopment work at the Independence Park sports complex facility, saying work is scheduled to begin in 2027.

“We’re going to break down and start that work in August next year,” Grange revealed during an interview with RJRGLEANER Group.

The project is expected to transform the venue and increase seating capacity from approximately 35,000 to 38,000, with field event capacity expanding to 50,000

The multi-year modernisation project will be undertaken by United Kingdom-based firms Ryder Architecture and CAA ICON, and is meant to elevate the venue, which was constructed in 1960, to global standards.

Plans incorporate a new multi-purpose sports hall, a dedicated throws training area, and significant refurbishments to adjacent facility Stadium East, to accommodate displaced local events during construction.

“While we’re doing that (redevelopment) … the Stadium East will host a lot of the smaller events that we would normally host in the National Stadium,” the Sports Minister shared.

“So come August, after the Independence celebrations, we can start the work in the National Stadium.”

Major redevelopment is expected to be completed by 2029. Planned construction features 90 per cent roof coverage for weather protection, 30 hospitality boxes, VIP royal boxes, modern media suites with TV broadcast capabilities, and a new sports museum.