Incomplete Lara Stadium now fete venue

Although the $900 million Brian Lara Stadium at Tarouba is yet to be completed, the Urban Development Corporation (Udecott) has found use for it, renting it out as a fete venue. On Friday, the annual Illusions Black to Blue Breakfast Cooler Fete is expected to be held at the dilapidated compound.

Managing director of Udecott Jearlean John said she did not see anything wrong with events being held there. The fete is being held in the car park. In an interview yesterday, John admitted to not previously being aware of Friday’s event but said she did not have to be because she was not part of the administration of the stadium.

Last May, Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said Government would have to fork out an additional $150 million to complete the project because of cost overruns caused by “shoddy work and increases in the cost of material.“

Construction began in May 2005, with an initial budget of $500 million, and was expected to be completed for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.  Six years later, work is at a standstill but John said plans already were underway for resumption as engineers already have begun to re-evaluate the project. The cooler fete is not the first event to be held at the site.

The finals of the T&T Karting Association competition took place there late last year. Patrons will pay $220 for a ticket for the event which is expected to take place from 11.55 pm on Friday to 8 am Saturday and will feature performances by soca artiste Bunji Garlin, Kes and the Siparia Rhythm Section.