Mara Lezama Breaks Ground on New Cozumel Poliforum With Capacity for 2,500

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa announced the start of construction on a new Poliforum in Cozumel that will nearly double the venue’s capacity to 2,500 spectators and, for the first time in its history, include a cooling system for athletes and audiences.

Lezama said the project stems from talks and coordination with the cruise industry, which is contributing alongside the state government to turn a landmark building into a first-class sports and multi-use facility.

The plan calls for demolishing, expanding and modernizing the existing structure. It includes a synthetic court built to official dimensions and a cooling system that will allow sporting events and other gatherings to be held in a more comfortable environment.

Workers will also build two fully equipped locker rooms, four restroom modules with 40 fixtures, new bleachers and a parking area, giving the island functional facilities for competitions and community activities.

Venue to serve island youth and families

“We want the young men and women, the youth and everyone on the island to play sports. It can also be multifunctional,” Lezama said, adding that the space will broaden opportunities for recreation and personal development for Cozumel families.

The governor said the project reflects joint work with the cruise industry through the Trust for the Wellbeing of People Living in Cruise Ports, which channels part of the prosperity generated by tourism into direct benefits for residents.

“When you work with honesty, the results are there for all to see, transparently. And here the people’s money will be for the benefit of the people,” she said, reiterating that her administration is pursuing projects that respond to community needs.

Cozumel Mayor José Luis Chacón Méndez thanked the state government for its support and said the modernization of the Poliforum will mark a turning point for sport on the island.

Also present at the announcement were Jacobo Arzate Hop, president of the Quintana Roo Sports Commission; Public Works Secretary José Rafael Lara Díaz; Tourism Secretary Bernardo Cueto Riestra; Heyden José Cebada Rivas, presiding magistrate of the state Superior Court of Justice; and Renán Sánchez Tajonar.