Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan – Photo Credit: Belmopan FC
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The National Sports Council of Belize (NSC) has announced that the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan will officially close to all activities starting Monday, February 2, 2026, to facilitate major field upgrades under a partnership with the Football Federation of Belize (FFB).
The closure marks the launch of a nationwide modernization initiative aimed at transforming Belize’s football infrastructure. The first phase includes the installation of a FIFA-certified synthetic pitch at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, which will be fully resurfaced to meet international standards. The project is expected to take six to eight months from procurement to completion.
“This temporary inconvenience will result in long-term benefits for Belizean sport,” the NSC said in a media release dated January 28, 2026, emphasizing that no training sessions, matches, or public activities will be permitted during the upgrade period to ensure safety and efficiency.
The NSC–FFB agreement, signed on Monday, January 19, 2026, also includes the installation of FIFA-quality synthetic turf at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City and the Santa Elena Sports Complex in Cayo. Additional community-based synthetic pitches are planned for Belize City, Orange Walk, and Punta Gorda, while the Faber’s Road Field and Berger Community Field in Belize City will be resurfaced with materials designed for heavy use.
At the signing ceremony, Minister of State in the Ministry of Sports Anthony Mahler and FFB President Sergio Chuc reaffirmed their commitment to youth development and national progress through sport. Daly also addressed the future of Belize City’s MCC Grounds, confirming it will remain a natural-grass venue, though no timeline was given for its return to competitive use.
The Isidoro Beaton Stadium has served Belmopan and the wider football community for many years, long before its artificial turf was installed in 2016. That upgrade made it a FIFA‑certified artificial turf stadium, further elevating national football standards. Today, it is home to Napoles FC of the Premier League of Belize and also hosts Benque United FC, Belmopan First Division matches, and regular athletics meets.
The NSC described the partnership as a transformative investment that prioritizes safe, accessible, and high-quality spaces for athletes to train, compete, and thrive. All synthetic surfaces will meet the latest FIFA Quality Turf standards and undergo independent testing and certification. The FFB will provide technical guidance and maintenance training to NSC ground staff to ensure long-term sustainability.
“The National Sports Council emphasizes that this temporary inconvenience will result in long-term benefits for Belizean sport,” the NSC said in their release detailing the importance of the temporary closure. “By upgrading the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, the NSC and FFB are creating a space that will support youth development, national programs, and international competition while reinforcing sport as a vehicle for positive social impact across the country.”
“Sport is more than competition. It is a powerful tool for youth development, social cohesion, and national unity,” the NSC said, reflecting the broader social impact of the initiative.
The NSC said further updates on the Isidoro Beaton Stadium project and reopening timeline will be shared in due course.
The post Belmopan’s Isidoro Beaton Stadium to close Monday, February 2 for major upgrades under NSC–FFB National Partnership appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan – Photo Credit: Belmopan FC By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The National Sports Council of Belize (NSC) has announced that the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan will officially close to all activities starting Monday, February 2, 2026, to facilitate major field upgrades under a partnership with the Football Federation of Belize
The post Belmopan’s Isidoro Beaton Stadium to close Monday, February 2 for major upgrades under NSC–FFB National Partnership appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
