Raoul Illidge Sports Complex

Raoul Illidge Sports Complex is a multi-use stadium in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium holds 3,000 people. The stadium is located on the Dutch side of the island.

Raoul Illidge Sports Complex
LocationWelgelegen Road[1]
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten[2]
Capacity3,000[1]
Surfaceartificial turf[3]
Construction
Opened1987[2]
Renovated2013[3]
Construction costƒ3,000,000[2]
ArchitectMNO Vervat St. Maarten (renovation)[3]
Tenants
Sint Maarten national teams
SMSA clubs

History

The Sint Maarten national football team plays its home matches at the stadium, which has a capacity of 3,000 spectators. It is named after Raoul Illidge, a local philanthropist who laid the groundwork and covered many expenses in the planning of the stadium as part of his support for sport and culture on the island. Unsolicited, he contributed nearly ƒ800,000 for the project.[2] After falling into disrepair, the complex was temporarily closed for renovation in July 2013. The two-part renovation included installation of a new running track, drainage system, and artificial turf, repainting of lighting poles and installation of new, brighter lights, in addition to a renovation of the complex's buildings.[3] The renovation costs were financed by the Dutch funding agency Usona and the Sint Maarten government. The international sports park was officially reopened with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs Patricia Lourens-Phillip on 7 March 2014.[4][5]

References
  1. "Stadium: Soccerway". Soccerway. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  2. "Official opening of the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex and Max Phelipa Zoological Gardens". TBF. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  3. "Football Field and Running Track at Raoul Illidge Sports Complex Temporarily Closed Off as of Monday". Sint Maarten News Network. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  4. "Appreciation for renovation of Raoul Illidge Sports Complex". Sint Maarten Today. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  5. Lourens Philip, Patricia. "Minister Patricia Lourens-Philip Speech Raoul Illidge Sports Complex". Sint Maarten Government. Retrieved 19 January 2016.


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