Minister Grange, Infantino Discuss National Stadium Redevelopment

The National Stadium Redevelopment project was the focus of discussion between Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange, and FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, during Mr. Infantino’s visit to the island on Friday (Sept. 25).

The FIFA President was at the National Stadium in Kingston to watch the CONCACAF Nations League match between Jamaica and Guatemala, which Jamaica won 3-2.

The Minister, who spoke to JIS News during the match, said the visit provided an opportunity to highlight Jamaica’s infrastructure development plans and readiness to welcome international sports events when the stadium is completed in 2029.

“I was able to tell him a bit about the stadium redevelopment and the fact that once that’s completed, we’re open for business, for international sporting events,” she said.

“He was quite impressed with that,” she told JIS News.

Ms. Grange told JIS News that she was pleased to welcome the FIFA President, particularly as the country prepares to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2031.

“I’m hoping that from his presence here, we would have established a good rapport…because he says he’s visiting the island to get firsthand information on what’s happening on the ground,” Ms. Grange said.

“We are in a stronger position to be able to say, Mr. President, Jamaica will be open for business and ready for business for 2029,” she emphasised.

Minister Grange said she commended the FIFA President on the successful staging of the recent World Cup.

She told JIS News that Mr. Infantino shared his appreciation for Jamaica, noting that the island holds a special place in the hearts of people across the world. The National Stadium Redevelopment is a significant modernisation project, with major construction slated to begin in July/August 2027.

Among the key features are in increase in seating capacity to 50,000; 90 per cent roof coverage; 30 hospitality boxes, two VIP royal boxes, two hospitality lounges, a fan boulevard, and dedicated fan zones.

It will also include construction of a flexible multi-use sports hall, a specialised throws area for field events, a contemporary sports museum, and upgraded anti-doping and media rooms.