A recently shared video on social media this Wednesday highlights the complete state of disrepair of the Jesús Suárez Gayol Stadium in Mariel, Artemisa Province. This facility, once hailed as one of the finest in western Cuba, now lies in ruins.
The footage reveals a playing field overrun with weeds, devoid of bleachers, and almost unrecognizable. "It's utterly ruined. This place is severely neglected and in a state of decay. The transformation is shocking," remarks Yodaisy Álvarez, the video's creator, as she walks through the site.
Constructed between 1970 and 1982, the stadium once boasted features like artificial lighting, a cafeteria, dormitories, and a drainage system that allowed games to resume shortly after heavy rains, according to local residents.
Legacy of a Historic Venue
The Jesús Suárez Gayol Stadium was a venue for national baseball series and a training ground for athletes. Among its notable figures was pitcher Miguel Alfredo González, a Mariel native who made it to Major League Baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2014.
The video has sparked a mix of nostalgia and anger among former patrons. "It was a place where my friends and I spent countless hours playing baseball, running, and sailing. It was vibrant," one user commented wistfully.
Outcry Over Neglect
Another commentator described the neglect as "criminal," recalling that table tennis was also played there. Others mentioned chess and athletics, noting that over 35 years ago, the stadium was in excellent condition.
Local authorities have been directly criticized for their inaction. "Municipal, provincial, and national authorities don't care, yet they expect baseball to thrive in Cuba," a local resident lamented.
Failed Restoration Efforts
Efforts to restore the facility began in 2012 but faltered. Hurricane Rafael, which struck Cuba in November 2024, dealt significant damage to Artemisa, worsening the stadium's condition. By 2025, the bleachers had completely vanished.
The neglect of the Suárez Gayol Stadium is part of a broader pattern of deterioration among Cuban sports facilities. As of 2023, more than half of the country's sports areas were reported to be in poor condition.
Other notable venues facing similar fates include the San José de las Lajas Multipurpose Arena, inaugurated in 1981 as Latin America's first of its kind, and the Raúl Díaz Argüelles Sports Complex, built for the 1991 Pan American Games, now rusting and overgrown due to decades of institutional neglect.
Understanding the Decline of Cuban Sports Facilities
What led to the state of disrepair of the Jesús Suárez Gayol Stadium?
The stadium fell into disrepair due to prolonged neglect, failed restoration efforts, and damage from natural disasters like Hurricane Rafael in 2024.
How have local authorities responded to the stadium's condition?
Local authorities have faced criticism for their inaction, with residents accusing them of indifference towards the facility's deterioration.
What impact did the stadium once have on the community?
The stadium was a vibrant community hub where locals engaged in sports like baseball, table tennis, and athletics, fostering a sense of community pride.