The Lae City Authority (LCA) has taken over management of Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium from the National Sports Foundation and committed K30 million to a major renovation of the aging facility. Lae MP John Rosso said the stadium had been neglected for years, despite serving a large number of athletes and sports enthusiasts. “It has been run down for a long time.” “It was under the National Sports Foundation, but no attention has been given to it. It sits in the middle of Lae, with a lot of sportspeople using it, but the tracks had become dangerous.” The stadium, which houses the country’s national athletics track and a swimming pool, is set for a complete overhaul. Rosso said LCA’s investment aims to improve infrastructure and restore the stadium to a standard suitable for national events. “We have taken over management rights from the National Sports Foundation and have just invested in infrastructure construction.” “The full renovation will cost us about K30 million.” Rosso said the upgrades would benefit both the local community and national sports competitions. “The stadium will not only be for the people of Lae but will also allow us to host national athletics events.” “Our children will have access to a proper athletics field and a functioning swimming pool.” The first phase of the renovations is scheduled for completion by September 2025, aligning with Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary celebrations. “I would like to give that as a present—a newly renovated stadium to the people of Lae.” The redevelopment is expected to enhance sporting opportunities and provide a much-needed upgrade to one of the country’s key sports facilities.