ST JAMES, Jamaica — The expression of relief was palpable on Yoni Epstein, the Montego Bay United (MBU) club chairman.

“Football is coming home, and MBU is ready,” he was quoted to have said when confirming that historic Jarrett Park in St James would be the temporary home of the Jamaica Premier League leaders, after the Montego Bay Sports Complex was devastated by Hurricane Melissa a month ago.

Montego Bay Sports Complex, located in the Catherine Hall area of the city, suffered damage which Epstein estimates to be in the range of $300 million as a result of the storm and subsequent flooding of the area that left inches of soil on the entire football field and the surrounding, all-weather running track.

A release from the club stated on Wednesday that the decision was taken to return to Jarrett Park, a popular home of sports in western Jamaica for decades.

“The city has gone through a challenging period but our community has shown tremendous strength. Bringing competitive football back to Jarrett Park is another strong step in rebuilding, uplifting, and moving forward together,” the release said.

Montego Bay United are scheduled to host their first game at Jarrett Park on December 21, versus Waterhouse FC.

In the meantime, members of the MBU team have been relocated to the Corporate Area in eastern Jamaica to continue their preparation for the resumption of the season. They are slated to face defending champions Cavalier FC at Stadium East on Sunday.

Regarding the move to utilise Jarrett Park for home matches, the release stated: “Jarrett Park — long regarded as the spiritual home of football in western Jamaica — has hosted generations of legendary matches and unforgettable moments. Its reopening for Premier League football symbolises not just a return to sport, but the resilience, unity, and unbreakable spirit of Montego Bay and its people.

“The decision to return to Jarrett Park was made in partnership with local authorities, community stakeholders, and supporters who have continuously advocated for football to return to its rightful home. Final preparations are underway to ensure a safe, vibrant, and electric match-day environment for fans, players, and families.”

Jarrett Park, a gift to the city of Montego Bay by the Kerr-Jarrett family, was a major sporting facility that staged local and international competitions.

The facility has hosted international cricket competitions, including the Shell Shield and Geddes-Grant Harrison Line cricket competitions that featured regional national teams in the 1970s and 80s; international football competitions including Caribbean Football Union games; as well as Concacaf Under-17 boys’ play-offs.

It was the home of St James-based Premier League champions Violet Kickers, Seba United and Wadadah. For decades the venue also hosted major schoolboy football matches, including the finals of the daCosta Cup and Ben Francis Cup and the Olivier Shield all-island play-off contests.

Harbour View’s Tevin Scott (left) and Nevaun Turner of Montego Bay United challenge for possession during the Jamaica Premier League encounter at Sabina Park in Kingston on Sunday, March 20, 2022. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)