Work has commenced on an ambitious plan to construct a new 40,000-seat stadium in Labasa, aimed at enhancing sports tourism in the region. Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council (LTC), confirmed the initiative and noted that three potential sites have already been identified.
The proposed locations for the stadium are:
– Vacant land near Wasavulu Village
– Land opposite All Saints Secondary School in Vulovi
– Land adjacent to Naduna Primary School
Ligairi stated that the current Subrail Park lacks the necessary space for expansion, making it unfeasible to upgrade into a larger stadium. He emphasized the importance of following proper channels to work with landowners and the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) to secure the chosen site for the new stadium. The LTC is also exploring funding options with the government, aiming to access part of the Na Vualiku Tourism Development Budget, which amounts to $439.2 million and is supported by the World Bank.
This initiative reflects an increasing recognition of sports tourism as a vital means of boosting local economies, particularly in areas like Vanua Levu, where municipalities like Labasa and Savusavu stand to benefit significantly. Ligairi expressed a vision of hosting landmark events, such as Fijian Drua Super Rugby home games and international rugby tests, contingent upon the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility equipped with high-standard amenities.
The community’s strong commitment to sports and tourism seen in such developments mirrors the enthusiasm that Labasa’s business sector has shown for upcoming events like the Battle of the Giants tournament, set to unfold at Subrail Park, which further underscores the potential of sports tourism to invigorate local economies and foster community spirit.
This ambitious endeavor not only heralds hope for the local economy but also positions Labasa as a growing hub for significant sporting events, promising an exciting future for both the local populace and visitors alike.
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