Hasely Crawford Stadium | Port of Spain

Hasely Crawford Stadium is a prominent multi-purpose sports venue located in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. It is named after Hasely Crawford, Trinidad and Tobago's first Olympic gold medalist, who won the 100 meters event at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. The stadium is a key location for athletic competitions and other sporting events in the country. Here's a detailed overview of Hasely Crawford Stadium:

History and Background:

Opened: The stadium was officially opened in 1982, with the primary purpose of serving as a national venue for track and field events, including the Caribbean Games, Pan American Games, and local athletic competitions.

Renaming: The stadium was named in honor of Hasely Crawford in 2001, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in athletics, particularly his Olympic gold medal win in the 100 meters event in 1976. His success made him a national hero and a symbol of excellence for Trinidad and Tobago.

Location: Situated in the Mucurapo area of Port of Spain, the stadium is conveniently located for both local and international visitors. It is also adjacent to other significant facilities such as the Queen’s Park Savannah and National Stadium.

Architectural and Facility Features:

Stadium Design: Hasely Crawford Stadium is designed primarily as a track and field stadium with a seating capacity of around 22,000. The facility includes:

• A standard 400-meter athletics track, which is used for various track and field events, including sprints, middle-distance races, and hurdles.
• A football field in the center, which is used for soccer matches and other team sports.
• Seating arrangements in the form of both grandstands and general seating, allowing spectators to comfortably view the events.

Lighting: The stadium is equipped with floodlights, making it suitable for night-time events. This feature enhances its versatility, allowing it to host a range of sporting events, including international tournaments and local matches.

Track and Field Facilities: The track surface is made of synthetic material, meeting international standards for competitions such as the IAAF World Championships and the Olympics. The facility includes specialized areas for high jump, long jump, pole vault, and discus throw, catering to the full range of track and field events.

Other Amenities: In addition to its primary facilities, Hasely Crawford Stadium is equipped with locker rooms, media rooms, VIP suites, and concessions for spectators. These amenities ensure that athletes, officials, and fans have a comfortable experience at the venue.

Sporting Events and Usage:

Athletics Competitions: As the primary venue for track and field events in Trinidad and Tobago, Hasely Crawford Stadium has hosted numerous national and international athletic competitions, including:

• National Track and Field Championships
• Caribbean Championships
• Pan American Games Qualifiers
• Regional meets and invitational events for top athletes.

Football Matches: The stadium is also used for football matches, both at the local and international levels. It has hosted matches for the Trinidad and Tobago national football team, as well as regional tournaments like the CONCACAF Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers.

Concerts and Entertainment: Beyond sports, the stadium is used for concerts and cultural events. It has hosted performances by international artists and musical events, making it a popular venue for entertainment beyond athletics and football.

Cultural Celebrations: The stadium is a key location for national celebrations and public events. This includes celebrations related to Independence Day, Carnival, and other national festivals, where performances, parades, and other activities are held in the stadium.

Role in Trinidad and Tobago’s Sports Development:

National Training Facility: Hasely Crawford Stadium serves as the primary training facility for athletes in Trinidad and Tobago. Local and national athletes regularly train at the stadium in preparation for major competitions such as the Olympics, Caribbean Games, and Commonwealth Games.

Promotion of Athletics: The stadium has played a vital role in the promotion and development of track and field in Trinidad and Tobago. It provides a venue for young athletes to develop their skills and gain experience, which has helped the country produce internationally competitive athletes.

Youth and Community Engagement: The stadium also hosts a variety of youth sports programs and community events, encouraging young people to participate in athletics and other sports. This contributes to the overall development of sports culture in Trinidad and Tobago.

Accessibility and Facilities:

Public Transport: The stadium is easily accessible via public transportation, including buses, taxis, and minivans. Its central location makes it a convenient destination for residents of Port of Spain and beyond.

Parking: The venue has parking facilities for attendees, though parking can be limited during large events. Additional parking is available in surrounding areas.

Ticketing: For major events, the stadium operates a ticketing system, with tickets available for purchase online or at designated outlets. For local events, ticket prices are generally affordable, allowing wider access to the public.

Notable Events Hosted at Hasely Crawford Stadium:

1990 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Hasely Crawford Stadium hosted critical qualifying matches for the Trinidad and Tobago national football team as part of their bid to qualify for the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

2007 Cricket World Cup: The stadium was used for some of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup events, including matches for the West Indies and international teams.

Caribbean Premier League: The stadium has hosted Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cricket matches, attracting significant crowds and attention to the country's sporting culture.

Conclusion:

Hasely Crawford Stadium is an iconic venue in Trinidad and Tobago, known for its rich history, excellent facilities, and role in promoting sports in the country. As a multi-purpose stadium, it hosts a wide range of events, from athletics and football to concerts and cultural activities. The stadium is central to the development of athletics in Trinidad and Tobago and has played an important role in producing world-class athletes. With its rich legacy and ongoing contributions to sports and culture, Hasely Crawford Stadium remains a key landmark in the nation's sports infrastructure.