Anna Regina National Stadium to be commissioned on July 3

Region Two is on the verge of a historic sporting transformation, as the newly constructed Anna Regina National Stadium is officially scheduled for commissioning on Friday, July 3.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali is expected to officially cut the ribbon to unveil the state-of-the-art facility.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., confirmed the highly anticipated date on Saturday, revealing that the infrastructure is essentially complete, barring a few minor final adjustments ahead of the opening ceremony proceedings.

The project represents a massive leap forward for infrastructure in Cinderella County, “transitioning a traditional community ground into a world-class sporting arena”.

“After it is open, Essequibo will have a fantastic facility that they can be really proud of,” Minister Ramson Jr. said, reflecting on the extensive work required to bring the project to fruition.

The Minister commended the hands-on oversight by Steven Jacobs, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport as he noted that Jacobs has been doing quite a bit of work on the ground, making regular site visits to ensure the project met rigorous standards and deadline targets.

“To get to this point is a relief,” Ramson Jr. admitted, as work at the facility would have started in late 2022. “When we came here, it was a totally different space from what the old Anna Regina ground was like, and this is a full-fledged stadium.”

A standout feature of the new stadium is its international-standard playing surface, as the Minister described the facility as a genuine “game changer” for the region, specifically highlighting that the outfield and its superior drainage system are built to a standard comparable to that of the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.

Such advanced drainage ensures minimal play disruption during inclement weather, positioning Anna Regina as a viable venue for high-level domestic and regional assignments.

Beyond the boundary ropes, the stadium is projected to be a major catalyst for macro-economic growth on the Essequibo Coast as the venue will not only serve as a vital hub for talent development but will also inject significant economic value into the region.

This economic push is already evident in the local hospitality sector, with an increase in hotel development underway in the region to accommodate the influx of sports tourism.

While Minister Ramson Jr. remained tight-lipped regarding the exact format and itinerary of the grand opening ceremony, sources close to the development have indicated that cricket fans could be treated to an exhibition match featuring several high-profile players to mark the historic occasion.

The commissioning of the Anna Regina National Stadium forms part of the government’s aggressive, unprecedented national sports infrastructure drive.

The Essequibo facility follows the opening of the Bayroc Stadium in Linden earlier this year. It sets off a sequence of major facility completions projected for the remainder of the year, with the Mackenzie Stadium, the New Amsterdam Track and Field Facility, and the Palmyra Stadium all slated to open their gates before the end of 2026.

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