Antigua Recreation Grounds Set for 5,000-Seat Stadium

The Antigua Recreation Grounds could become the official home of football under a new Cabinet plan.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the proposal during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.

Merchant said Cabinet chose to upgrade the existing venue instead of waiting more than five years to build a new football stadium.

The proposed redevelopment would create a 5,000-seat facility. The government wants to use funding pledged by FIFA to support the project.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino pledged funding for a football stadium during his recent visit to Antigua and Barbuda.

Merchant said constructing a new facility could take approximately five years or longer. Redeveloping the existing grounds could allow the project to move forward sooner.

The plan would also preserve the venue’s role as a multi-purpose facility.

The upgraded grounds would continue to host international Test cricket. Carnival activities and other cultural events would also remain part of the venue’s schedule.

However, the proposal still requires FIFA’s approval. Government officials will need to discuss the plan with FIFA before the organisation can approve the proposed use of its funding.

Merchant said the goal is to create an international football venue while keeping the grounds available for other major events.

The redevelopment would give football a 5,000-seat home while maintaining the venue’s wider sporting and cultural uses.

For now, the project remains at the proposal stage. The next step will involve discussions with FIFA and a decision on whether the organisation will approve the redevelopment plan.

If approved, the project would significantly upgrade one of the country’s best-known sporting venues and provide a permanent home for football.