The Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, Jamaica, may soon become the center of a major bidding war as the St James Municipal Corporation (STJMC) has decided to lease the stadium in an effort to revitalize the city as a prominent sporting hub. With the complex facing multiple issues, including an unfit track and field since 2019 and delays in renovating the football field, private investment is being sought to transform the facility into a multi-sport destination.
Businessman and chairman of Montego Bay United, Yoni Epstein, has expressed interest in owning the facility, which his club currently uses as their home ground. Mayor Richard Vernon has stated that the STJMC will be reviewing applications from individuals interested in leasing the stadium, but they must present plans to develop it into a multi-sport complex that includes track and field, football, tennis, swimming, and futsal.
Despite the challenges, the STJMC has seen a controlled return of events at the stadium, with the Jamaica Premier League and high school football competitions taking place recently. Discussions are also underway to bring back major football events involving the national senior men’s and women’s teams to Montego Bay.
Vernon emphasized the potential for sports tourism in Montego Bay, highlighting the city’s ability to host large-scale international events and the importance of the new lessee in realizing this goal. With the recent upgrade to the playing surface, Vernon hopes that the stadium will generate more revenue to alleviate the strain on the STJMC, which has subsidized many events in the past.
As the JPL season kicks off, Vernon is optimistic about the future of Montego Bay United and the impact they can have on the parish’s development. With ongoing monitoring of the facilities and a focus on youth development, the stadium’s potential as a catalyst for sports in western Jamaica is promising.
As the bidding process for the lease of the Montego Bay Sports Complex gets underway, it is clear that the future of this facility holds significant opportunities for growth and revitalization in the sporting arena. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
