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Damage to MoBay Sports Complex deals heavy blow to MBUFC
December 24, 2025
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, St James, suffered extensive damage, dealing a major blow to local sports.
The once pristine home of Montego Bay United Football Club (MBUFC) is now stacked with debris, roaming livestock and thick vegetation, with trees beginning to take root on the playing field.
Dr Germaine Spencer, president of MBUFC, told STAR SPORTS the unavailability of the venue has been challenging for the players' mental health.
"The lack of stability has had a significant mental and emotional impact on the team. Housing uncertainty, disrupted training schedules, relocation between venues, and the strain on families and sponsors have all affected the players' sense of normality," said Spencer.
"Some of our players come from households that lost everything during the storm, and witnessing that level of personal loss has deeply disrupted their equilibrium," added Spencer.
The stadium, which bears the scars of Hurricane Melissa, has rendered the venue unrecognisable and unusable, casting a shadow over the future of sports activities once centred at Catherine Hall.
Despite the challenges, Spencer remains confident things will work out.
"We remain confident in the character, resilience, and quality of this group. We are taking things step by step, and we remain fully committed to reclaiming the championship this year. Time, structure, and stability will get us there," said Spencer.
With the stadium out of use, MBUFC has been forced to relocate to the iconic Jarrett Park.
"With respect to the stadium, we have a defined style of play that our supporters are familiar with. Unfortunately, Jarrett Park is not conducive to that style, so we have had to pivot and adapt," explained Spencer, who at this time is calling on the community, corporate partners, and sponsors to stand with the team.
MoBay United had their first home game after Hurricane Melissa in Montego Bay on Sunday, when they were defeated 1-0 by Waterhouse FC.
"Until we are able to reopen our primary base at Catherine Hall Stadium, we will continue to make the best of the situation and focus on preparation, unity, and performance," Spencer said.
"MBU has always been more than a football club. It is a symbol of resilience and pride for this city, and together we will rebuild stronger," he added, noting that support, whether financial, logistical, or moral, plays a critical role in restoring stability for players and their families.
Sunday's 1-0 defeat saw MBU fall to second in the standings on 26 points, the same as Racing United. Racing, however, have a superior goal difference.
Meanwhile, Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon said an assessment is being done on the playing field at Montego Bay Sports Complex.
"Work has begun. It was heavily silted with inches of mud. We have skimmed the track already and are doing further assessment on restoration to give a proper time," said Vernon.
On Sunday, MBU will host Concacaf Caribbean Cup champions Mount Pleasant Football Academy at 3 p.m.
