By Marvin cato | HGP nightly news |
LINDEN, REGION 10 — A historic milestone was achieved on Saturday, February 7, 2026, as the Bayroc National Stadium was officially commissioned, signaling a transformative shift for athletes in the mining town. The $1.1 billion multipurpose facility was unveiled by President Dr. Irfaan Ali before thousands of residents, marking the fulfillment of a long-standing commitment to decentralize world-class sporting infrastructure in Guyana.
The opening ceremony was far more than a formal ribbon-cutting; it was a high-energy showcase of the facility’s versatility, featuring elite track and field performances, a high-stakes regional football clash, and a celebratory concert.
A “Deep-Rooted Plan” for Talent Development
In his keynote address, President Ali characterized the stadium as the physical manifestation of a deliberate strategy to turn Guyana into a premier Caribbean hub for sport and entertainment. He emphasized that the investment is designed to provide “equal opportunity” for grassroots athletes to excel on the global stage.
“Sport cannot grow on wishful thinking; it must be built, planned, and supported,” the President told the massive crowd. “The commissioning of Bayroc represents that commitment in a tangible form. This investment will stimulate the building out of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment across this region.”
Key Features of the New Facility:
- Synthetic Track: A professional-grade surface designed to meet international standards for athletics.
- FIFA-Sanctioned Pitch: A high-quality football field equipped with elite-level floodlights for night matches.
- Spectator Stands: Modern seating, with plans already announced for a second prefabricated stand to be installed by the end of 2026 to increase capacity.
- Economic Hub: The stadium includes security fencing, improved drainage, and player facilities engineered with international certification in mind.
Transforming the Athletic Landscape
Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., described the stadium as the “crown jewel” of Region 10’s sporting heritage. He noted that the facility’s international certification means Linden can now host CONCACAF matches and global athletics—roles previously restricted to venues like Leonora.
The evening’s competitive action underscored this potential:
- Athletics: National stars Emanuel Archibald (100m) and Arinze Chance (400m) recorded dominant victories on the new synthetic track as part of a CARIFTA Games trial meet.
- Football: A “Bridge the Gap” clash between a Georgetown All-Stars team and the Linden (Upper Demerara) All-Stars saw Georgetown edge out a 5-4 victory on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
- Entertainment: The night concluded with a “Pre-Mashramani” concert featuring local heavyweights Samuel Medas and Diana Chapman.
A Regional Sporting Revolution
The Bayroc project is the first of five regional stadiums slated to open across Guyana in 2026. Similar world-class facilities are nearing completion in Essequibo (Anna Regina), New Amsterdam (Burnham Park), and Palmyra, alongside the ongoing redevelopment of the Mackenzie Stadium.
For Lindeners, the commissioning represents the return of the National Schools’ Track and Field Championships to the town—a move celebrated by residents as a return to the community’s roots as an athletic powerhouse.
