The sod-turning of the Blue Water Shipping Stadium represents a monumental milestone for football in Guyana, transforming a long-held dream into a tangible reality.
This significant event on Friday, attended by a delegation led by Concacaf President and FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani and Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde, serves as a pivotal moment for the sport in Guyana.
It promises to enhance the facilities available to players and fans alike, fostering a more vibrant football culture in Guyana.
Montagliani expressed deep satisfaction with the advancements made under Forde’s leadership of the GFF, remarking on the critical importance of such projects.
While CONCACAF is in the midst of constructing a major football facility in the Dominican Republic, initiatives like the one being undertaken by the GFF are equally significant.
According to the FIFA Vice-President, they provide essential infrastructure and inspire future generations of male and female footballers to pursue their dreams in the sport.
The government has made a substantial commitment by leasing a 7.3-acre plot of land at Durban Park, Georgetown, to the GFF for a duration of 50 years, which underscores the collaborative effort to promote football in the country.
As the GFF embarks on this ambitious project, FIFA and CONCACAF have pledged their ongoing support, recognizing the long-term benefits that such a facility will bring to the football community.
While the consultancy process is still underway, the GFF is actively investing in landfilling to prepare the ground for construction.
Forde has highlighted that the initial phase will focus on building mini-pitches, aimed at encouraging greater community involvement in the sport.
He expressed optimism that the federation could move to the tendering stage by December or January, signaling a significant step towards actual construction.
In December 2023, the GFF, in collaboration with Blue Water Shipping, commenced the foundational steps to develop an innovative, multi-purpose sports, educational, and entertainment venue. This partnership is not just about building a stadium; it reflects a commitment to enriching the lives of the community.
Blue Water Shipping has entered into a five-year naming rights agreement for the stadium, although specific details regarding the financial aspects of the agreement remain confidential due to a non-disclosure agreement.
Forde has previously indicated that the new facility is designed to accommodate between 8,000 and 12,000 spectators, providing ample space for fans to engage with the game. The stadium will be equipped with modern amenities that are standard for football venues, ensuring that it meets the needs of players, media, and the public.
Key features will include accessibility accommodations for individuals with disabilities, designated playing areas, a main pitch, four-team locker rooms, officials’ dressing rooms, and dedicated spaces for medical and anti-doping facilities. Additionally, recovery areas will be provided to support athlete wellness.
The facility will also feature corporate spaces, VIP and presidential booths, press boxes, conference rooms, a corporate center, and a restaurant, further enhancing the stadium’s utility as a community hub.
A dedicated community space is also part of the plan, intended for year-round use for educational opportunities, youth sports, non-profit events, and other community-minded initiatives.
This focus on community involvement is a testament to the GFF’s commitment to not only develop football talent but also enrich the broader societal fabric.
As the GFF actively pursues the establishment of a genuine Professional League in Guyana, the Blue Water Shipping Stadium is poised to be the “home of the Pro-League.”
This aligns with Forde’s vision for football in the country, which emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable structures that support professional play and community engagement.
Moreover, the new stadium will serve as a complement to the Federation’s National Training Facility located at Providence, which, upon completion, will also include spectator areas.
