The Socadrome initiative at the Jean Pierre Complex to facilitate a parade stage for four major non-competing mas bands on Carnival Tuesday will be the most expensive event held at the venue in the past three years.In an interview yesterday, the senior manager of facilities and maintenance at the Sport Company of T&T, Anthony Blake, said the cost of renting the complex for the initiative had surpassed any other rental of Sport Company facilities for the past three years.
The Sport Company manages all the major sporting facilities across the country.Blake refused to give the actual rental cost but the T&T Guardian learned that the estimated investment in the Socadrome by the bands –Bliss, Harts, Tribe and Yuma – has reached over $1 million.But Socadrome spokesman Danielle Hunte said yesterday the bills were still mounting up.
She added: "We have stadium costs, security costs, stage costs and other expenses which are increasing. The cost goes up every day, and it isn't just cash costs. The bands all have to reallocate resources to make this event happen."Blake said he expected the transformation of the venue into the Socadrome to have minimal effect on the grounds.The bands will move around the outer perimeter of the stadium and then cross a stage being built between the stands at the Jean Pierre Complex.
"The floor is pitch. The floor is made of the same material used to pave roads and it was paved about three or four years ago," Blake said.He said the only place being used by bands was the road into the venue and the complex itself."They will not be allowed on the indoor court. Patrons will be allowed to use the stands and the toilet facilities but mas bands have their toilet facilities for masqueraders," Blake said.He said the stadium would be completely locked off to the bands.
"The Hasely Crawford Stadium is actually more susceptible to damage from these types of events. The propensity for damage is much higher."He said with the bands promising to increase security for the venue he expected few problems.