A large scale model of the Hambantota 2018 “Sports City” was unveiled in the presence of Mike Hooper, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
The futuristic development which is now under construction will feature 90 per cent of the venues and facilities should Hambantota host the 2018 Commonweal Games.
The site includes the new Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium which hosted two ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 matches in February. It also incorporates an Athletics Stadium with full warm-up and training facilities, a hockey stadium, an International Aquatics Centre, International Sports Complex to stage both indoor and outdoor sports, an indoor arena, a velodrome, 18-hole golf course, exhibition centre and a state-of-the-art Games Village featuring the “highest” quality accommodation and support facilities for athletes with an on-site training village.
A retail complex and range of world-class hotels and resorts will open in the near future, according to a media release.
“Sports City” was conceived in 2009 and is the heart of the bid’s legacy. The 3D model reveals the development will house two universities specializing in sports, business and media, a Business Enterprise Park, and an IT Park. Hambantota 2018 says it will also help to attract a wide-ranging program of international events.
The development will be ready by the end of December 2016. The organizing committee has made a commitment to the CGF and all CGAs to have everything ready well in advance, with 2017 to be used for test events and pre-Games training.
Major infrastructure developments are already taking place, including a new sea port and second international airport, a high capacity public transport system, and a new road network in the pipeline.
The CGF is choosing the host city for the 2018 Commonwealth Games at its meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis on November 11, 2011.
