Stadium East Redevelopment to Add Sports Hall and Dedicated Throws Training Area

Throwers representing Jamaica are set to gain a purpose-built training ground as part of a broader push to expand the island's athletics infrastructure. Alongside that discipline-specific site, government plans call for a new indoor sports hall.

Minister of Sport Olivia Grange disclosed the projects on Tuesday while addressing the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

"I'm pleased today to announce that we will also construct two well-needed facilities during this re-development. The first is a new sports hall which will be a flexible multisport, multi-use, naturally ventilated facility for training and also competition.

"We're also constructing a throws area which will facilitate training in the shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin. The throws area will incorporate shelters for when athletes are resting and will provide easy access to the sports hall, gym and changing facilities," Grange announced.

She added that, "At the next Level, Jamaica will not only dominate the track, but with our sustained support and facilitation, we intend to also dominate field events".

Both structures will sit next to Stadium East, which is also slated for work under the same redevelopment programme. Grange told lawmakers the long-term goal is to reshape the venue into a 4,000-seat track-and-field facility modelled on the layout of the main national stadium.

Even after the upgrade, Stadium East is expected to remain a core training ground, a warm-up space, and a preferred location for developmental meets and smaller competitions. Officials said the new buildings will meet Green Guide standards and comply with FIFA and World Athletics requirements.