Adrian Frater, News Editor

Ground staff at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, in Trelawny, putting the facility in a state of readiness for today's second leg World Cup qualifer between Jamaica and The Bahamas. - Photo by Adrian Frater

Western Bureau:

'I was hoping to get a bleachers ticket but when I went to the outlet on Monday, those were already finished so I was forced to buy a more expensive ticket," said Simone Barnes, a football fan from Falmouth. "I now have my ticket and gold shirt so I am ready to go."

Barnes' state of readiness is symptomatic of the general mood among football fans in Trelawny, St James, Hanover and Westmore-land, which clearly gives the impression that the US$30 million multipurpose stadium in Trelawny will be jam-packed for what is the first major international football game in the west for over a decade.

"The energy is everywhere," said Linnel McLean, president of the Trelawny Football Association. "I know the fans will be coming out in their numbers because this game is all but in their backyard."

McLean said his only concern at this time is the fact that a number of fans, who probably can only afford the bleachers, might not be able to get in because of the limited number of bleachers tickets, which incidentally, are already sold.

"Unlike the National Stadium, which has one grandstand and a large bleachers, this Trelawny stadium has two grandstands and a small bleachers section," said McLean. "Despite the fact that some fans will have to pay more than expected, I am sure they will be there in numbers."

Test readiness of west

In awarding the game to the west, Jamaica Football Federation boss, Captain Horace Burrell, said the game was essentially to test the readiness of the west to host major international football in terms of crowd support.

Captain Burrell, who was at the Trelawny stadium yesterday observing last-minute preparations, said he was encouraged by the energy he had seen and heard.

"I like what I'm seeing with regard to the expected support because this is one way in getting the west back on board. The west has not been doing so well in football in recent times, but we intend to keep them in the family by providing them with as much good football as possible."

Arnett Gardens midfielder, Oniel Robinson, who is from western Jamaica, said: "I know the support of the game will be great because I hear a lot of people talking about going to see the game. This is a chance to show that the west really loves football."

According to Delroy Downer, public relations officer for the TFA, he was absolutely positive that the west would meet Captain Burrell's expectations based on his observation on the ground and in terms of ticket sales.

"If we had 30,000 bleachers tickets I am sure they would all be sold because the west is football country," said Downer. "Even if they have to pay more and 'bawl' the next day, I am sure they will be coming out."

There are 15,000 seats in the stadium and open bleachers areas on both sides of the ground that can hold at least 10,000 people.