Football gets the green light

The fears of Football not being played at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, have been allayed. This was formally announced at a ceremony last Monday night, September 9, 2024, at the Argyle International Airport, as Vincy Heat returned from their Concacaf Nations League (CNL) matches in Bonaire.

Of course, that would be welcomed by the Vincentian sporting public who have been starved of international Football for just about one year.

As a consequence of the unavailability of the Arnos Vale venue, the national senior men’s team was forced to play their “home” matches in both the CNL as well as the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers, away from home.

But the wait may be worth it as the sporting public will get its first taste of football at the venue, under the lights.

The installation of lights at the venue came about as St Vincent and the Grenadines was one of the host countries of the Caribbean for the International Cricket Council’s Men’s T/20 World Cup, that was also played in the USA.

Hence, the October window of the CNL, shows St Vincent and the Grenadines meeting El Salvador on October 10 and 13.

Like St Vincent and the Grenadines in the past, El Salvador has given up their right to play on home turf, instead they play the latter fixture on Vincentian soil.

And, it may be more in the offing for St Vincent and the Grenadines’ hosting, as Bonaire is set to come here for their return fixture.

Reports too, are that Montserrat may choose the Arnos Vale facility to play their reverse match versus the Vincentians, notwithstanding that the venue is listed to host the West Indies and Bangladesh in a T/20 International on December 19.

So, the stage is set for a large crowd to show up on both days in October, not only for the experience of being part of history at the venue, but to provide that much needed support for the home team.

That support is needed more than ever, coupled with their on-field performance if they are to produce favourable results against the Salvadorians.

Additionally, having the opportunity for our national Senior Men’s team to play on the best available surface in the country, also comes as a plus to them.

However, as we usher in a new experience in football, one has to be mindful of the implications for having such matches played at evenings into the nights and the attending costs, namely, the lighting factor.

Therefore, unless the government steps in and provides that cushion, patrons would be required to pay a higher admission fee.

Above all, the Arnos Vale venue will be opening up a different dimension since its use in June for the World Cup Cricket matches.

With football being played there, it gives those in authority over the facility insights of the marketing possibilities for the venue.

It is opportune for them to see its financial prospects as they try to recoup some of the millions spent in preparation to host the cricket matches three months ago.

Hence, there is an urgent need for the custodians of that facility to craft a policy to ensure that some level of revenue flow is attained on a consistent basis.

Having it used for a one-off event cannot be good for its sustainability, as the daily costs of maintenance will outstrip by far the user fees and other add-ons.

Yes, the facility by its mere design and outlay, favours cricket, but the hosting of dribs and drabs of matches will not suffice and give credence to the over $38 million expenditure.

Other meaningful and economic viable uses can be made of the six banks of lights, electronic display screen, ICT infrastructure, ring roads, the four swimming pools and a host of other equipment enhancements.

Readily, one can see the “Party Stand” area, utilized for private functions and the all -inclusive events.

As Vincentians, we do not want to see a white elephant emerging in spite of all the trappings from expenditure in 2007 and 2023/24.