$4.76m so far from Trelawny Stadium - Revenue above projections

Andre Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

The Government has earned just under $5 million in revenue from the rental of the much criticised Trelawny Stadium since the start of the year, a sum which represents a marginal improvement on what was expected to be realised at this point.

Since its US$30 million construction in 2006 for the hosting of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, the facility has been labelled an unnecessary luxury and has been cast into sharp criticism for its under-usage.

Sports Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange told The Sunday Gleaner at the start of the year that the Government was hoping to recoup $13 million during the year, from the facility, which was built through a loan from the Chinese government. This was projected to come from a number of sporting and entertainment events, which were scheduled for the venue.

Exceeds expectation

Major Desmon Brown, chairman of Independence Park Limited (IPL), the state-run agency which has responsibility for the management of the 45-acre facility, when contacted, indicated that, at this point, the facility is earning a little more than was originally expected.

Said Brown, "Our income for the period January to present is J$4,767,747.50, which is just over target."

He went on to share that the organisation is sticking to its original revenue target for now, but that a review of the situation will be carried out no later than September, to see whether or not more, or less funds, should be expected from the facility.

"At this time, we are sticking to the original revenue target, however, there will be a review in August or September," Brown added.

The Jamaica Cricket Festival, Courtney Walsh coaching clinics and a UK-promoted Twenty20 series were all on the schedule of events to be hosted at the facility, however, it was the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival which has so far accounted for the majority of the revenue; over 55 per cent.

Not all is well

Despite the good news, things have not been all positive for the facility, as there have been a number of postponements to date, and like almost everything else, it has been seriously affected by the downturn in the economy.

"The hosting of the jazz festival is the major contributor to the income stream, however, the general downturn in the economy has resulted in the postponement of a number of scheduled events. Efforts are, however, being made to attract a number of additional events to make up for the expected shortfall due to these postponements," Brown noted.

Also of note is the IPL's success in cutting the maintenance cost of the facility from over $3 million to about $1 million on a monthly basis after major changes to their security and energy usage arrangements.

Speaking on the matter some time ago, Grange said, "The Trelawny stadium is critical to the Government's strategy to develop sports and cultural tourism."

Meanwhile, several additions; such as lighting for night events, are expected at the venue in the coming months, in an attempt to make it more attractive.

A team of lighting experts have already toured the facility and have drawn up a design which is expected to be executed before the end of the year.