The current National Baseball Series in Cuba continues to make headlines, and not for good reasons. The latest news is that spectator access to the left side of the Calixto García Stadium in Holguín has been closed due to the collapse risk of the lighting structure.
"The doors on the left side have remained closed and will continue to be so because the scaffolding of the left-side towers has been declared in a state of collapse," reported journalist Ernesto A. Jomarrón Cardoza in recent days.
"Years of minimal maintenance on the towers of this architectural gem have taken their toll, and for now, it was decided to close the left-side doors and only allow public entry from the first base side until these scaffolds are removed and no longer pose a danger to the lives of fans and players," he added.
"In an unusual scenario, the home team will play without spectators above their dugout," he concluded.
In a later publication, the journalist interviewed Alejandro Vidal Hechavarría, who complained that the information had been misrepresented. The official stated that the decision to close the left side of the venue was due to "the deplorable condition of the lighting towers' scaffolding" and had nothing to do with the stadium's roof or walls.
"Initially, it was decided to remove these lights to reduce the load on these structures and prevent them from collapsing. Now, as a precautionary measure, it was decided not to allow spectators on this side to protect the fans," added the stadium director.
Vidal Hechavarría mentioned that architects have already visited the facility and established the need to dismantle these elements to avoid an accident. The situation "was reported to the provincial government, and work is already underway to dismantle these old structures as soon as possible," he concluded.
Despite the official clarification, even though the stadium's roof is not collapsing, the danger is real, regardless of the focus on the "deplorable" condition of the lighting towers' scaffolding.
The Calixto García Stadium was founded in 1979, and Fidel Castro once labeled it as an "architectural gem," a term frequently used by the official press to refer to this sports facility.
The Calixto García is not the only stadium experiencing structural issues during the current and much-discussed National Baseball Series. In March, just days before the event began, the National Baseball Commission (CNB) identified serious problems in several fields. According to reports, various stadiums required maintenance on the mound, grass, benches, locker rooms, and bathrooms.
They also mentioned the need for clay to work on the field, raising the pitcher's mound, centering the home plate properly, and more watering for grass growth.
Holguín Stadium Safety Concerns
Below are some questions and answers about the safety concerns and current state of the Calixto García Stadium in Holguín.
Why was the left side of Calixto García Stadium closed?
The left side was closed due to the collapse risk of the lighting towers' scaffolding.
Who reported the closure of the left side of the stadium?
Journalist Ernesto A. Jomarrón Cardoza initially reported the closure.
What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of spectators?
The stadium management has decided to remove the lighting structures and restrict spectator access to the affected area.
Has the government been informed about the structural issues?
Yes, the provincial government has been informed, and actions are being taken to dismantle the old structures.