Successful former national 7s rugby coach, Wayne Pivac, mooted the plans for a 20,000-seat stadium in the Nadi area some years ago.
If my fading memory still serves me correctly, the then-powerful Suva rugby union officials, vehemently objected, stating only Nadi would benefit.
They lacked much-needed national vision, then. Or perhaps I humble myself to stand corrected.
The Honourable DPM Gavoka and Minister for Tourism, has recently rekindled the idea. This time with a bigger capacity of 30,000 seats—somewhere in the Nadi Bay area.
There is a fantastic piece of real estate in Vulani, Barara (near Lomolomo).
An easy railway connection from Nadi Airport to avoid busy Queen’s Road is an access worthwhile considering.
Vulani can be easily accessible from Fiji’s tourism capital, Denarau, including Naisoso, by speed boat and luxury ocean-going vessels.
Former prominent executive hotelier and rugby identity in Andrew Thomson is an excellent choice in a feasibility plan, in my view.
Our Minister for Tourism, Ministry of Sports, Fiji Sports Council, Fiji Rugby Union, Pacific Aus Sports, World Rugby, FIFA, TLTB and the Mataqali Sabeto will make up a formidable working force to make this dream a reality, sooner rather than later.
DPM Gavoka predicts 10 to 20 years. I say, respectfully, condense it to three to five. I may not be around in the next 10 to 20 elongated years.
The People’s world-class Republic of China is admirable and proven in its development of world-class sporting complexes and stadiums, from planning, drawing, and building.
Beneficiaries to date include HFC Bank Stadium in Suva; a complex in Apia, Samoa; and the recently completed Pacific Games complex in Honiara, Solomon Islands, to name a few. Vanuatu included.
China is unsurpassed in building sporting complexes in the South Pacific.
I recommend them without hesitation.
Vulani lies idle.
This piece of fantastic real estate is an excellent venue, with acres of space needed for parking.
A hundred-room accommodation complex for all athletes, sportsmen and women; a modern multi-purpose gymnasium; an Olympic-sized swimming pool; a modern medical facility; and a modern shopping mall are easily accommodated in this spacious idle property.
An all-weather athletic track and field event facilities should be included, along with administration facilities. A weight-lifting complex is envisaged.
I recommend 100 per cent solar power for this complex, as EFL’s record for unplanned outages is not acceptable.
Additionally, a modern desalination plant is a prerequisite.
Such an ambitious complex is needed for the West now.
As I think well outside the box, I plead for immediate brainstorming as I hear Fiji is interested in hosting the 2031 Pacific Games.
This is within reach.
My views, shared free of charge as a caring Kai Nadi and retiree, understand that this plan is ambitious. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Let us keep our feet firmly planted on the ground as we reach for the stars.
Ambitious dreams are free.
They do come true.
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