AS D’Yani’s smooth vocals echoed across Sabina Park recently and Ding Dong delivered an energetic performance two days later, it became clear that the return of Mound Mania offered cricket lovers much more than boundaries and wickets.

Throughout the West Indies’ home series against Sri Lanka, the newly revamped entertainment space transformed the iconic mound into a hub of music, culture, and social connection, creating an atmosphere that many patrons described as one of the highlights of the tour.

With Renaissance providing a steady soundtrack throughout the series, fans were treated to a carefully curated blend of cricket and entertainment that kept energy levels high from the first ball to the final wicket.

The entertainment complemented what ultimately proved to be a successful series for the West Indies, who secured a 2-1 T20 victory over Sri Lanka.

Patricia Duncan Sutherland, business executive, poses with dancehall artiste Kemar Highcon during the recently concluded Sri Lanka vs West Indies tour at Sabina Park. 

While the tour’s One-Day International leg was hampered by inclement weather, with two of the three matches abandoned due to rain, the excitement surrounding the T20 fixtures helped bring Sabina Park to life.

For many supporters, Mound Mania became the place to experience it all.

The combination of live performances, music, food, drinks and cricket helped restore the mound’s reputation as the social heartbeat of the stadium — a reputation organisers believe was firmly re-established over the course of the series.

“Our Mound Maniacs — returning and new — are happy, so we are very pleased,” said Kino Johnson, director of Mound Mania.

“We are ecstatic with our first presentation in our multi-year agreement as hosts of the Sabina Park Party Stand. With only a few days turnaround time, we’ve managed to re-stamp the mound’s place as the pulse of Sabina Park,” he continued, adding that the positive response from patrons has left organisers excited about future opportunities to build on the concept.

Kino Johnson (left) and Sean Green, co-directors of Mound Mania 

“We’re excited to work with West Indies cricket, plus other interested sports and entertainment entities in the near future,” he added.

A significant part of the experience was the enhanced hospitality offering, which allowed fans to enjoy the matches in comfort while remaining immersed in the festive atmosphere.

Multiple refreshment stations ensured patrons remained well supplied throughout the day, with sponsor Red Stripe playing a central role in helping to elevate the overall presentation.

“I think people really enjoyed the new look for Mound Mania. It was a wonderful setup and it gave an elevated experience,” said Sean Wallace, Head of Commerce at Red Stripe. “We had multiple bars where you could stay refreshed with a nice cold Red Stripe along with other beverages. I think it was an added experience to cricket and I just wanted persons to come out and enjoy the mound when we’re at Sabina.”

West Indies celebrate their T20 series win over Sri Lanka at Sabina Park in Kingston on Sunday, June 15, 2026.  CWI Media

Wallace noted that supporting the initiative aligned naturally with the company’s long-standing investment in Jamaican sport and culture.

“Red Stripe always tries to be a part of anywhere people are enjoying unique experiences. We support Cricket West Indies and we’re one of the main sponsors of the Sri Lanka tour of the West Indies. As pillars of culture, sport and food, this was something we took great pride in being a part of,” he said.

The success of Mound Mania highlighted the growing appetite among sports fans for experiences that extend beyond the action on the field.

— Shereita Grizzle