No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeChina$10 million donation from China to fund National Stadium improvements

$10 million donation from China to fund National Stadium improvements

A $10 million donation from China to the Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (ICODER) will help fund renovations to the National Stadium, Costa Rica’s largest and most modern sports venue.

The most significant upgrade will be an improved fire suppression system, according to the daily La Nación, while other works include electrical maintenance, painting interior sections, and refining ramp access.

While a giant Costa Rican flag waves on the western side of the National Stadium, the “Jewel of La Sabana,” as it was deemed by former President Oscar Arias, was constructed by a staff of entirely Chinese workers.

In June 2007, Arias severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan to officially establish Costa Rica’s new partnership with China. As a token of appreciation, the Chinese government offered Costa Rica a new National Stadium as “a gift” and spent an estimated $100 million on its construction.

“Six people of Chinese nationality” continue to provide technical consulting in regards to the 35,000-seat venue, according to stadium officials.

During a visit to San José earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Costa Rica against allying itself too closely to China.

Pompeo said the United States “approaches our economic relationship in the spirit of partnership.”

“That’s a stark contrast to the flashy promises from the Chinese government that have often produced only debt, dependency, and even the erosion of sovereignty from some nations,” the U.S. Secretary of State argued.

The Chinese Embassy in Costa Rica replied that Pompeo, “following his usual style of speaking irresponsibly, criticized arbitrarily and without any basis.”

Costa Rica’s women’s national soccer team faces Brazil at the National Stadium on April 8, while several other events will be held at the venue in the coming months.

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Social Crisis Deepens Amid Political Clashes

Costa Rica is sliding into a state of structural violence fueled by political clashes, social division, and weakening institutions, according to a new National...

Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister Dismisses Crime and Currency Concerns

Tourism Minister William Rodríguez López addressed growing concerns about crime and the strengthening colón’s impact on Costa Rica’s tourism industry, asserting that these issues...

Costa Rica Continues Investigation into Miller Gardner’s Death

Costa Rican authorities are still investigating the tragic death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, nearly...

Costa Rica’s Massive Drug Raid Targets Cocaine Network to Europe

Costa Rican authorities struck a major blow against international drug trafficking dismantling a criminal network that smuggled over five tons of cocaine to Europe....

The Hidden Costs of Living in Costa Rica: Tariffs, Monopolies, and More

‘Tariffs’ is one of the buzzwords of 2025. Defined as taxes imposed by one country on goods imported from another country, tariffs are essentially...

Gold Cup 2025: Costa Rica, Mexico and Canada Aim for Glory

While other CONCACAF teams have their sights set on the 2026 World Cup, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Canada are raising the stakes by targeting...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica