Money well spent on Arnos Vale Sports Stadium says PM

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsavles has expressed satisfaction that the expenditure
on upgrades to the Arnos Vale Sports Stadium saying it was money well spent.
During a walkabout on Monday evening June 10, 2024, of the facility which is one
of several Caribbean venues for the 2024 ICC Men’s T/20 Cricket Tournament, the
Prime Minister said the renovations account for 70% of the US38million dollars
budgeted.“The lights were quite expensive, the single largest item. Six of them are very
modern, up-to-date technology and I believe we’re going to be well-served with
each,” he said.
“…similarly…we are going to put lights also out at Diamond…. When everything
is top-notch, you’re going to be able to go there and see the games at night, in
addition, of course, during the day.”  There is projected expenditure of US45
million in the works for the Sir Vincent Beache facility at Diamond.

The new facilities at the Arnos Vale Sports Stadium include four above ground swimming pools; electronic scoreboards; roads and access infrastructure; as well as upgrades to existing stands.

Dr Gonsalves explained that the concept of developing a three story building for
ICC guests with the goal of providing a space for them to hang out and host events
outside of matches was not enough for him to sacrifice the Party Stand which
overlooks the Caribbean Sea.

He noted that delays notwithstanding, the work that was required at the Arnos Vale
facility would not have been completed in the short six month period after St
Vincent and the Grenadines won its bid to be a host country for the ICC
Tournament that opens at Arnos Vale on June 13, if not for the “phenomenal
work” done in 2007 when new stands were constructed as part of an upgrade of the
facility.
“…when we put in place a lot of legacy items- the well-green field, the double
decker, the media facility, Administrative Centre, the refurbished President’s Box,
all these things were done in 2007.”

The plan is to also be able to host matches and other events at the Diamond
stadium in the future.

Prime Minister Gonsalves thanked all those involved in renovating the Arnos Vale
Stadium noting that this work enhances sports development in SVG. Final work was being done Monday on a road leading to the Party Stand with completion
targeted for Tuesday, on time for Thursday’s first game.