Jamaica’s National Stadium is finally set to undergo a major transformation with the resurfacing of its running track to the tune of (US$350,000) J$55.2m with work set to begin on Sunday, February 23.

Minister of Sports Olivia Grange announced that the resurfacing of the track is expected to finish in time for the world-renowned ISSA Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships set to begin March 25.

The resurfacing was also scheduled to prepare the track for the global Grand Slam Track event in April 2025 which will debut in Jamaica. 

“There is an opportunity between the end of the Gibson McCook Relays on Saturday and the start of Boys and Girls Champs in March to get the job done,” said Minister Grange in a press release on Thursday, February 20. We’re working around the clock to put everything in place. We’ve engaged a new supplier: Rekortan, which has 50 years of international experience in developing tracks,” said Grange.

“Materials have already been shipped and engineers are already in the island doing the preparatory work,” she added.

The track was first laid in 2001 for hosting the 2002 IAAF World Junior Championship in Kingston and last resurfaced in 2011 by German company Regupol.

“Over the years, we’ve had to make several repairs to maintain the track. In 2021, we undertook major resurfacing. Since then, we’ve performed maintenance work as needed, but the latest assessment has shown the urgent need to completely resurface the track,” said Grange.

The new track will feature the latest performance technology, providing a world-class facility for Jamaican athletes and showcasing the country’s commitment to excellence in track and field.