DESPITE some more damage to the track at the National Stadium caused by the Vybz Kartel Freedom Street show on December 31, 2024, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports Olivia “Babsy” Grange has assured that repairs are underway to have the facility ready for the start of the inaugural Grand Slam Track in April.

Grand Slam Track, founded by legendary Olympic champion Michael Johnson, is to make its debut this year with four three-day, track-only events in Jamaica, Miami, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Grange noted that the damage to the track was not extensive and that repairs are progressing smoothly.

“The track at the National Stadium got some damage during the show and so we are working to put it back in shape. The entire track should have been covered; it wasn’t all covered but we are working to remedy that situation and we will be ready for the Grand Slam,” Grange told the Jamaica Observer.

The Grand Slam Track series is expected to bring a new level of excitement to the world of athletics, and its impact will be felt far beyond Jamaica’s shores. The series is widely seen as a challenge to the established Diamond League circuit of meets as the sport of athletics fights for the limelight outside of the Olympics and World Athletics Championships.

Grange emphasised the importance of hosting major international events like Grand Slam Track, which she believes will showcase Jamaica’s capabilities and attract more visitors to the island.

“Well, every time a major event is held in Jamaica it opens up Jamaica to the world. Our sports, culture, and entertainment are at the centre of Brand Jamaica, so it is going to open up Jamaica to the world where[in] we are going to have more visitors. And, as we prepare to grow and expand our facilities, we expect to have more events,” Grange explained.

The sports minister also highlighted the need for the National Stadium’s facilities to be upgraded and expanded.

“The work continues with the National Stadium because it’s an all-year facility and so we always have to be repairing things until we get the complete rebuilding of the facility. And that exercise has also started with the feasibility study, which has now been started with us signing the contract with the Ryder Group and UK Sports,” Grange said.

Grange revealed that the feasibility study is expected to be completed within three months, paving the way for the redevelopment project to begin.

“The permanent secretary, Deanroy Bernard, has been meeting with them, and the feasibility study, we are trying to expedite it so it comes in less than three months. And once the study has been presented, then we will be able to move to the next phase. We say that we will break ground no later than August of this year but we are really working forward to breaking ground much earlier,” Grange said.

“But in the meantime, we continue to repair and to prepare the facility so that it can continue to service that need. Big events are coming in 2025 and we want to make sure we are in a condition that we can host these events well,” she shared.

In the meantime, the sports minister acknowledged that the National Stadium’s facilities are being used for various events, including stage shows, which have caused damage to the track. Grange announced that additional safeguards are being implemented to protect the track and the field.

“Well, we are looking at some other options, which we will speak to at a later date,” she said. “But what I can say to you is that the facilities being used for musical events, shows and so on, we are putting in additional safeguards to protect the track and the field.”

Grange also encouraged event promoters to explore alternative venues, such as Jam World, Fort Rocky, and Port Royal Entertainment Zone, which offer suitable facilities for hosting events.