Redevelopment of National Stadium Moves Closer

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, says the redevelopment of the National Stadium has moved a step closer, following the successful completion of a feasibility study and assessment in the final quarter of 2025.

Providing an update on the project during a press conference at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Office in Kingston, on Wednesday (January 7), Minister Grange said the “findings established that the proposed stadium redevelopment is both feasible and strategically important for advancing the country’s sporting and cultural roles”.

As part of the redevelopment, the seating capacity of the National Stadium is expected to increase by approximately 10,000 seats, enhancing the facility’s ability to host major local and international events.

Plans also include the construction of new stands at varying levels, with roofing coverage for most sections of the stadium.

The existing grandstand roof will remain unchanged, as the National Stadium is being treated as a heritage site. The iconic overhanging arch structure will be preserved.

“That particular structure is a heritage structure that we cannot touch… and so that overhanging arch will remain,” the Minister said.

In the interim, Stadium East is expected to play a pivotal role while construction at the National Stadium is under way.

“It is proposed that Stadium East… will be refurbished for all activities to be accommodated there, while the stadium is under construction. It would facilitate some of the small events that currently take place in the National Stadium,” Ms. Grange said.

The upgraded Stadium East is also expected to provide improved facilities for patrons, officials and athletes using Stadium East as a warm-up area.

“So, the facilities will include modern changing rooms, medical areas for athletes and patrons, anti-doping testing area, adequate concession areas, adequate number of restrooms, throwing areas, and running track,” she continued.

Meanwhile, work on the overall stadium design remains ongoing, with the redevelopment to be carried out in three phases.

Detailed designs are expected to be ready between May and October, followed by technical designs between November and the end of the year.

“Construction is expected to commence in July 2027,” the Minister pointed out.

The redevelopment is expected to modernise Jamaica’s premier sporting facility while preserving its historic identity and expanding its capacity to support both national and international events.