Dominican Sports Ministry Launches Major Stadium Renovation in Baní

BANÍ, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Sports has initiated a significant renovation project for the Luis María Herrera municipal stadium in Baní, with Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz leading the groundbreaking ceremony.

The overhaul, which represents an investment of nearly 25 million Dominican pesos (approximately $425,000 USD), fulfills a directive from President Luis Abinader to enhance the nation's sports facilities.

Minister Cruz emphasized that the initiative underscores the Abinader administration's dedication to strengthening sports infrastructure and providing safe, quality spaces for youth development.

"Our administration is unwavering, consistently transforming communities across the Dominican Republic through the construction, refurbishment, and delivery of sports infrastructure," Cruz stated. He added that these projects "dignify public spaces and generate opportunities for development and well-being for the population."

Cruz also highlighted that the renovated facilities would significantly contribute to social cohesion and the holistic development of children, adolescents, and young adults, offering them suitable areas for athletic practice and healthy recreation.

The comprehensive renovation will address all areas of the stadium. This includes extensive work on the playing field, involving earth movement, new grass, and silty sand.

Further improvements will see the repair of the backstop, the refurbishment and fencing of the spectator stands, and the repair of the dugouts. The project also includes reconditioning mixed-use bathrooms and rebuilding the irrigation system.

Additionally, the stadium's drainage system will be upgraded, new septic and filtering chambers will be constructed, the entire electrical system will be replaced, and the facility will receive a complete paint job.

The groundbreaking ceremony drew a host of dignitaries, including Vitelio Mejía, president of the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM); Luisín Mejía, president of Centro Caribe Sports; and José Monegro, president of the Central American and Caribbean Games organizing committee. Congresswoman Carmen Leyba, Governor Yadira Báez, and Municipal Mayor Santos Ramírez were also in attendance.

Prominent figures from the baseball world were present, such as Nelson Cruz, general manager of the Dominican team for the World Baseball Classic, and Juan Núñez, president of the Dominican Baseball Federation (FEDOM). Former Major League Baseball players also participated, conducting a clinic for children and young athletes from various local baseball leagues.

Minister Cruz concluded by urging sports leaders, athletes, and community members to "care for this work diligently so they can enjoy it for many years to come."