President Luis Abinader, joined by his Minister of Housing and Buildings Carlos Bonilla and Minister of Sports Kevin Cruz, inaugurated the first phase of the renovated Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium on Saturday, 5 October 2024. The stadium has seating for 22,838. The investment of RD$950 million was made as the government gets ready to host the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on 16 October 2024 and the Central American and Caribbean Games that open in July 2026.
The revamped stadium boasts a modern design and improved facilities, including a state-of-the-art playing field, upgraded lighting, and expanded seating capacity. The project was spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Buildings.
Minister of Housing and Buildings Carlos Bonilla emphasized the government’s dedication to improve the country’s infrastructure and foster a vibrant sports culture. “This stadium is more than just a place to play sports; it’s a symbol of hope and opportunity for our youth,” Bonilla stated.
Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz expressed his pride in the stadium’s transformation, highlighting its historical significance and its role in promoting Dominican athletes on the international stage. “This is a momentous occasion for Dominican sports,” Cruz remarked. “The renovated stadium will serve as a catalyst for future athletic achievements.”
The Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium will be the centerpiece of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off on October 16th. The tournament will gather teams from around the world.
Additionally, the stadium will host various track and field events during the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. The renovation of the track, nevertheless, is scheduled for early 2025.
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El Dia
7 October 2024