National Stadium – stadium description

Jamaica National Stadium was opened in 1962 – the same year the country gained independence. It was here, on the night of August 5–6, 1962, that the ceremonial lowering of the British flag and the raising of the new national flag took place, symbolizing the birth of an independent Jamaica.

The stadium is the centerpiece of a larger sports complex known as Independence Park, which also includes a secondary stadium (Stadium East), two arenas (the National Arena and the National Indoor Sports Complex), an Olympic-size swimming pool, training fields, and parking areas.

The venue has a seating capacity of 35,000, making it the largest stadium in Jamaica. The main stand is partially covered, with roof-supporting columns forming its distinctive facade.

The stadium features an athletics track, encircled by a 500-meter concrete cycling track. Four lighting towers rise from the corners of the venue.

In front of the main stand are sculptures of Jamaica’s renowned sprinters, including Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt, while a statue of Bob Marley is located at the entrance to the complex. The facility is owned by the Government of Jamaica and has been managed since 2001 by the company Independence Park Limited.

Already in its opening year, the National Stadium served as the main venue for the Central American and Caribbean Games, and four years later it hosted the British Empire and Commonwealth Games.

The stadium is home to the Jamaica national football team. On November 16, 1997, following a 0–0 draw with Mexico at the National Stadium, the team secured its first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

The venue is also a major athletics center, where Jamaican athletes train and national competitions are held. In 2002, it hosted the IAAF World Junior Championships in Athletics, and since 2004 it has staged the annual Jamaica International Invitational meet.

A major redevelopment of the National Stadium is scheduled for 2026–2029. According to the plans, the cycling track will be removed, capacity will increase to 37,500, and 90% of the seating will be covered by a roof.