{"id":242529,"date":"2025-07-07T21:12:40","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T01:12:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=242529"},"modified":"2025-07-08T09:49:23","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T13:49:23","slug":"carnival-city-2025-nears-completion-as-minister-matthew-leads-readiness-walkthrough-for-carnival-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/carnival-city-2025-nears-completion-as-minister-matthew-leads-readiness-walkthrough-for-carnival-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Carnival City 2025 Nears Completion as Minister Matthew Leads Readiness Walkthrough For Carnival City"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a><\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT\u2019S APP GROUP<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Carnival City 2025 Nears Completion as Minister Matthew Leads Readiness Walkthrough For Carnival City <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antigua & Barbuda\u2019s <\/a><\/strong>iconic Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) is rapidly transforming into Carnival City, <\/em>the epicenter for Antigua Carnival 2025.\u00a0<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

During an on\u2011site inspection by Hon. Daryll S.\u202fMatthew, Minister of Education, Sports & Creative Industries, Ms. Petley O\u2019Keiffe, Director of National Festivals, and Mr.\u202fEverton\u202fBarnes, Editor of Point\u202fExpress<\/em>, a first\u2011hand look at the upgraded venue and its enhanced safety, accessibility and patron\u2011experience features was done.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvery adjustment we make, whether widening a gate or adjusting the position of the stage, is about enhancing the experience for patrons by providing a Carnival that is safer, more inclusive and absolutely unforgettable<\/em>,\u201d said Minister Matthew during the walk-through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Upgrades Unveiled and Noted during the Walkthrough<\/strong><\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Streamlined Access and Traffic Flow: A<\/strong> newly widened gate will now serve as the primary backstage entrance<\/em> for parking and service vehicles to enter the grounds. This move eliminates the need for vehicular traffic through the vendor\u2019s courtyard within ARG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, during Panorama, where larger trucks require access to the backstage area, this gate will reduce the wear and tear on the outer field.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Protecting the Historic Cricket Pitch, <\/strong>all vehicular movement across the cricket square has been prohibited. Only foot traffic and select seating (e.g., for Queen of Carnival<\/em>) will be permitted, ensuring ARG remains an international\u2011standard practice venue post\u2011Carnival.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Stage Redesign for Superior Sound, <\/strong>the main stage has been adjusted, dramatically improving acoustics and expanding audience visibility. Lighting and sound installation will be completed by 10\u202fJuly<\/strong>, ahead of \u201cAunty Claudette Kiddies Fete\u201d opening, which will be our first Carnival City-sanctioned event on 13\u202fJuly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern Backstage Facilities, <\/strong>featuring a state-of-the-art change room facility and a redesigned backstage layout, will replace last year\u2019s individual change room facilities, which were separated by secure fencing to ensure performer privacy and efficient crowd management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Glass & Cans: <\/strong>To safeguard patrons and the playing surface, glass bottles and canned beverages are strictly prohibited. Vendors must serve drinks in paper cups; non-compliance will attract fines or removal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Venue Operations Command Centre (VOCC), <\/strong>the former media building has been re\u2011commissioned as the command post staffed by Emergency Medical Services, Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda<\/a><\/strong> Defence Force, Security, Red Cross and the Central Board of Health, providing real\u2011time monitoring and rapid\u2011response capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expanded Vendor\u2019s Courtyard & VIP Amenities, <\/strong>a carefully laid out Vendor Village complete with benches, a big\u2011screen for viewing, and all-day activities will keep Carnival City buzzing even on rehearsal days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Title sponsors will host an upgraded VIP lounge, while d\u00e9cor teams drape the Andy\u202fRoberts Stand in Carnival colours, and a 3D \u201cAntigua\u202fCarnival\u202f25\u201d selfie spot will be the focal point for capturing the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s Next, <\/strong>Infrastructure works conclude in mid-July, after which focus shifts fully to final rehearsals and show production. Upcoming highlights include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n