The reconstruction of Paul E. Joseph Stadium in Frederiksted now carries a December 31, 2026 target for substantial completion, nearly 12 years after the project broke ground. Government officials told senators the work is approximately 75 percent complete.
Acting Public Works Commissioner Reuben Jennings reported a current contract value of about $32.1 million, with roughly $27.7 million in completed work and about $4.4 million remaining. The unfinished scope includes ventilation, plumbing and electrical work, elevators, stairways, railings, security systems, field installations and a backup-generator building.
GEC Managing Member John Wessel told lawmakers the contractor can meet the date if payments continue to move on schedule. Three major electrical components—the standby generator, service-entrance transformer and automatic transfer switch—were still awaiting order pending a Public Finance Authority payment.
The December date replaces earlier targets, including September 30, 2026 and a previously discussed Christmas 2025 delivery. Lawmakers expressed doubt after reviewing current conditions and the amount of work still visible at the site.
Substantial completion does not necessarily mean the stadium will immediately open for public events. Final inspections, testing, occupancy approvals, punch-list work and operating plans may still be required after construction reaches that milestone.
Public Works and PFA should publish a biweekly milestone dashboard showing work completed, payments released, critical equipment delivery dates, inspection status, change orders and the distinction between substantial completion and a safe public opening.
Source published September 19, 2026. Read the original reporting or release for the complete record.
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