SANTO DOMINGO, D.N. – The Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (MIVHED) delivered this Thursday the remodeled facilities of the Chess Pavilion and the Softball Stadium B of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, two key works for the celebration of the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games.

The event was led by the Minister of Housing, Habitat and Buildings, Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, who highlighted that both infrastructures are part of the sporting legacy that the regional event will leave to the country.

“Eleven works have already been delivered and every day we are closer to the goal we set for ourselves: to welcome delegations from the entire region with modern, safe facilities that are up to the standard of an international competition of this magnitude,” expressed Bisonó.

The official highlighted that, with the delivery of Softball Stadium B, the MIVHED completes all of the softball stadiums under its responsibility for the 2026 Games.

Likewise, he pointed out that behind every project there is a commitment to Dominican athletes and future generations who see in sports an opportunity for growth, discipline, and development.

For his part, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kelvin Cruz, praised the quality of the works and assured that the projects continue to advance despite weather challenges.

“The rains and setbacks have not been a reason to stop the progress of the work. Together with the MIVHED, we continue to promote President Luis Abinader’s goal of presenting a venue worthy of receiving the 36 countries that will participate in the Games,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the president of Centro Caribe Sports, Luis Mejía Oviedo, praised the work carried out by the ministry.

“The MIVHED has been providing a series of examples that in this nation there is no need to import or bring in people from outside to get the job done well,” he stated.

Similarly, the president of the Santo Domingo 2026 Organizing Committee, José P. Monegro, highlighted that the facilities will have utility beyond the celebration of the Games.

Completely renovated Chess Pavilion

The remodeling of the Chess Pavilion represented an investment of over RD$29.7 million and included the comprehensive transformation of a 491-square-meter area.

The works included the total renovation of the competition area, administrative offices, meeting rooms, restrooms, and common spaces. In addition, new climate control, security, and video surveillance (CCTV) systems were installed, along with modern electrical and plumbing networks.

Roof waterproofing, replacement of doors and windows, construction of a new facade, access ramps for people with disabilities, and general painting of the structure were also carried out.

B Softball Stadium meets international standards

The renovation of Softball Stadium B required an investment of over RD$105 million and impacted an area of nearly 5,800 square meters, including more than 5,000 square meters corresponding to the playing field.

The facility has a capacity for 650 spectators and a modern lighting system adapted to international standards, with 1,500 lux in the infield and 1,000 lux in the outfield.

Among the improvements made are the reconstruction of the dugouts with clubhouse, batting cages, bullpens for each team, mixed-gender athlete locker rooms, a state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard, game clock, press broadcast area, and storage spaces.

Likewise, a new drainage system was implemented for the playing field, electrical and plumbing facilities were renovated, and accessible restrooms for people with disabilities were adapted.

Bisonó reiterated that all interventions were executed under international regulations for high-performance sports, guaranteeing top-tier facilities for hosting world-class sporting events.

The activity was also attended by the president of the Dominican Olympic Committee and the Dominican Softball Federation, Garibaldi Bautista, as well as the president of the Dominican Chess Federation, Wily González Alejo, along with other sports and government authorities.