Bic Fiji FACT locked in for Labasa

The Bic Fiji FACT Football Men’s Tournament will be held at Subrail Park in Labasa.

Dates scheduled by the Fiji Football Association (FFA) for pool matches are from June 19 to 21, while the knockout dates are yet to be confirmed.

Speaking to Sunsports exclusively yesterday, Labasa Town Council special administrator Samuela Ligairi said negotiations had been finalised with a family to relocate a wedding booking that clashed with the tournament schedule.

“We have come to an agreement to ensure the Fiji FACT tournament is based entirely in Labasa,” Ligairi said.

This follows earlier difficulties in securing the ground due to a pre-booking by a family for their son’s private wedding, which coincided with the dates approved by the FFA for the semi-finals and final.

Fiji FA had previously confirmed that pool matches would be staged in Labasa and had sought the intervention of the Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, to secure the entire tournament in the northern town.

An alternative option had been to relocate the semi-finals and final to HFC Bank Stadium in Suva; however, Ligairi confirmed Fiji FACT will remain in Labasa.

Ground upgrade works

When queried about ground improvements, Ligairi said there were plans to upgrade the playing surface in time for the Fiji FACT opening.

The council has acquired a budget for the ground upgrade works.

He confirmed that two loads of garden soil will be applied and levelled to reduce potholes and enhance the playing surface for a smoother flow of football.

“We will try to prevent any trucks and vehicles from driving on the improved surface, which deteriorated the condition last year,” Ligairi said.

Illumination and night visibility were enhanced during preparations for the 2024 Digicel Fiji FACT, with the council investing close to $45,000 in new floodlights to complement the existing ones.

Hoteliers advised to prepare early

Hoteliers and rental accommodation owners have been advised to begin early preparations to ensure sufficient rooms are available.

This is to accommodate travellers and visitors from Viti Levu and abroad planning to attend the tournament in Labasa.

Ligairi said with only a few months remaining before the Fiji FACT tournament kicks off, he anticipated the two-week competition would generate positive income for the local economy.

“Ticket sales, restaurant operators, hoteliers, accommodation centres, taxis and other transport providers are industries that will profit from hosting this tournament,” he said.

Former Macuata Tourism Association president Paul Jaduram said the lack of accommodation during major tournaments had previously affected ease of travel to Labasa.

Jaduram added that sports tourism provides a valuable income-generating alternative for the township during slower business periods.