Sabina Park unveils major lighting upgrades ahead of Australia series

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC):

SABINA PARK, Jamaica’s iconic cricket venue, has received a major facelift with new state-of-the-art LED lights, just in time for the upcoming Australia series.

The upgrade, costing $75 million, is set to revolutionise night cricket in Jamaica and bolster the stadium’s reputation as a premier sporting destination.

Speaking at the venue, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange hailed the new lighting system as a game changer.

“These lights are going to make a world of difference. They will allow us to host a series of cricket events, both day and night, elevating the experience for players and fans alike.”

Jamaica Cricket Association President Dr Donovan Bennett praised the Government’s swift action, emphasising the necessity of the upgrade.

“We needed these lights; without them we couldn’t function properly, and we wouldn’t be an attractive venue for international cricket. The old lighting system had been insufficient for day-night matches, but the new LEDs will enable Sabina Park to host high-profile games as early as July. We have seven nights of cricket scheduled, including a pink-ball Test against Australia.

Beyond the lighting, Minister Grange announced another major addition – a brand new scoreboard, courtesy of the Indian government – is set to be installed soon.

“After having discussions with the Jamaica Cricket Association, we approached the government of India and following on that approach, Prime Minister Andrew Holness visited India and further discussions were held with Prime Minister (Modi)… . It’s materialised. We’re getting a new scoreboard,” said Minister Grange.

The scoreboard is a gift from the government of India.

In addition to the upgrades at Sabina Park, the ministry is also pumping $100 million into the development of cricket in schools and at the grassroots over three years.

The minister said “40 [million] out of that 100 million has already been disbursed to the ministry, and we’ve started spending from those funds, in collaboration with the Jamaica Cricket Association.”

The lights are up and working and need only to be focused, while most of the panels for the scoreboard are in Jamaica.

Minister Grange said by the end of the month, the upgrades to Sabina Park will be completed.