Bayrock National Stadium officially opens, ushering in new era for sport in Linden

Linden came alive on Saturday night as the Bayrock National Stadium was officially commissioned, marking a major milestone in Guyana’s sporting development. A packed crowd gathered to witness an exciting blend of track and field and football action, while soaking in the atmosphere of a brand-new, world-class multipurpose facility.
The opening ceremony and sporting showcase were attended by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr; Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs; and Labour and Manpower Minister Keoma Griffith. Their presence underscored the national importance of the project and its significance to the people of Linden, a community renowned for its deep sporting heritage.

From the opening moments, the stadium buzzed with energy as spectators celebrated what many described as a proud and long-awaited achievement. Linden, long known for producing elite athletes, now boasts one of the country’s top sporting facilities – one designed to preserve and elevate that legacy.
The night’s programme featured standout performances on the track, with Arinze Chance capturing the 400 metres and Emanuel Archibald sprinting to victory in the 100 metres, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

Football action followed, adding to the excitement. Linden struck first when Keshawn Leacock found the back of the net in the 33rd minute, giving the home side a 1-0 lead at halftime. Georgetown responded early in the second half through Deon Alfred, who scored in the 49th minute to level the contest. With full time ending with the scores tied 1-1, the match was decided by a penalty shootout, which Georgetown won 5-4.
Addressing the gathering, President Ali highlighted the broader vision behind the stadium’s development.
“We have set out with a clear understanding that development cannot grow with wishful thinking; it must be built, planned and supported. The commissioning of the Bayrock National Stadium represents that commitment in a tangible form,” the President said.

Minister Ramson Jr reflected on the journey of the project, noting that it required decisive leadership and sustained support to bring it to completion.
“From its conception when I inherited it, there were no plans, no blueprints, no bill of quantities –nothing that was left for us to implement. It was our ministry, supported by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and our Cabinet, that delivered everything you see here today,” he stated.
He also emphasised the technical quality of the facility, pointing out that the track meets the highest international standards and has been certified accordingly. The playing field, he added, is built with underground drainage similar to that of the Providence National Stadium and is certified to FIFA standards, ensuring it will not be affected by flooding.
As the celebrations concluded, one message rang clear: the opening of the Bayrock National Stadium is not just the unveiling of a new venue, but a powerful investment in sport, youth development, and the future of Linden and Guyana as a whole.