KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica’s cricket authorities say they will be looking to use the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium for future international matches, as they move to take advantage of the commercial prospects offered by the country’s north coast tourism belt.
The venue was built in preparation for the historic ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007 but only hosted the opening ceremony along with warm-up matches. Since then, it has failed to land an international fixture.
Currently, the historic Sabina Park remains the venue of choice and Jamaica cricket Association secretary, Fritz Harris, said they were hoping to expand their options with the use of Trelawny.
“Other venues are being considered, but the truth is that Sabina is number one. Yes, Sabina Park is the obvious venue and it’s the one with the history and the endorsements but the direction of the JCA is to look at other options such as the Trelawny Stadium,” the Jamaica Observer newspaper quoted Harris as saying.
“Right now the stadium is not quite up to scratch and certainly improvements can be made there, but we’ll be open to have discussions.”
The parish of Trelawny lies on Jamaica’s scenic northwest coast and is about 40 kilometres east of the bustling tourist resort of Montego Bay, which also boasts the island’s second airport, Sangster International.
There is also easy access via highway to Montego Bay from the Trelawny venue.
Harris pointed out that once the Trelawny Stadium became an international venue, the JCA could take advantage of the business opportunities that were provided on the north coast.
“With the Trelawny venue it is important to use it because it is located in the heart of the island’s main tourism area,” he noted. “Having matches there is a grand opportunity to target sports/tourism.”
Sabina Park will host the first three matches of next year’s Tri-Nation Series involving West Indies, India and Sri Lanka, which runs from June 28 to July 11.
