The new Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium has state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate just two disciplines, soccer (football) and athletics (track and field).
However, the president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) is thinking far beyond just those two sports when it comes to staging events at the stadium. During a recent exclusive interview for his reflections as the fourth year of his term in office winds down, Wellington Miller expressed a desire to see other disciplines and their fans enjoy the stadium.
"Yes, we know the stadium was designed with the competitive facilities in place for just soccer and track and field, but one just has to think a bit out of the box and you can conclude easily that the new stadium can serve multiple purposes. For instance, what is wrong with putting up a ring in the middle of the stadium for boxing or any of the other roped ring sports. It must be intended for there to be portable equipment that can cover the soccer field without causing any damage, but still allowing for other sports to be accommodated," pointed out Miller. He referred also to mat sports such as judo and taekwondo. His idea has merit.
Once the events are marketed properly and make sense financially, catering to other sports seems another dimension that could certainly advance our sports image. The concept of accommodating multiple sports begs questions about the important arms of operation needed to look after the stadium. My understanding is that the Sports Authority (SA) is to have full responsibility for the stadium. The SA ought to be structured so that the excellent facility given to us by the People's Republic of China can be fully maximized. As the SA should ensure that a competent management group is put in place, just as important is a marketing team.
The national stadium has to be considered as more than just a sporting location. It has to be treated as a business. The cost for the utilities will be enormous. Such an additional concern would indeed be quite onerous for the taxpayers in this land. The SA with the backing of the central administration must approach its responsibility for the stadium in an ultra businesslike manner. I agree with Miller. The stadium could be used beneficially for more than just soccer and track and field. The SA has to hire a marketing team that can work with the sports federations on proposed events so that they would be worthwhile, profitable. A strategy must be designed for the stadium to operate in the black. Miller makes a great point. The SA should meet individually with those federations that have the kind of status that enables them to bring in regional and international events to the country.
A common ground should be reached on the viability of the proposed events and clearance given. It is essential indeed for the SA to tap into the minds of the sports leadership in the country. The stadium is a huge challenge. All heads must get together for the ongoing success of the stadium in particular and the national sports program in general. Stay connected with Sports Scope for the reflections of Bahamas Olympic Committee President Wellington Miller as his first term in office winds down. To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at fredericksturrup@gmail.com.
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