The 2024 Olympics are in full swing, and our island is buzzing with excitement. In Jamaica, the Olympics are SERIOUS BUSINESS. After all, this is the home of the fastest people on earth. We are proud of our sporting heritage and that national pride reaches its peak every four years as Team Jamaica takes the Olympic stage.
Here’s your guide for all the places to see and things to do as you soak up all the Olympic glory and cheer on Team Jamaica.
Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records
This one is a no-brainer. Owned and endorsed by the global sprinting legend, Tracks and Records is the place to revel in and relive all of Bolt’s Olympic glory. Medals, uniforms, and memorabilia from his incredible career are all on display and with dozens of high-definition screens, Tracks and Records is a great place to take in the events.
The Kingston location is known for its Tracks Live Sessions featuring some of Jamaica’s most popular and influential performers. The likes of Beenie Man, Jesse Royal, and Bounty Killer have all graced the Tracks and Records' stage to delight fans.
Each Tracks & Records will take you on a journey that fuses old-school quintessential Reggae culture with a contemporary…
Each Tracks & Records will take you on a journey that fuses old-school quintessential Reggae culture with a contemporary…
The menu varies a bit by location, but you’ll find signature favourites like Jerk Chicken Spring Rolls, Pepper ‘Swims’ [a Jamaican word for shrimp], and Oxtail Mac and Cheese. Try the Nine.58 cocktail – a winning rum punch named in honour of Bolt’s world record time.
Tracks and Records has announced an ‘Olympic Nights’ series featuring live DJs and specials. See you there!
Rehab Sports Bar and Grill
In Montego Bay on the Hip Strip, Rehab has just what you’d expect in a sport’s bar - wide screen TVs, live music stage, pool tables with signature Jamaican vibes. It’s a great chill spot to take in the Olympic events.
See the Statues at Independence Park
In Kingston, Independence Park is a great place to stop for a quick selfie with statues of Jamaica’s sports legends, including, Shelley-Ann Fraser Pryce, Asafa Powell, Veronica Campbell-Brown, and Usain Bolt.
The statues are just outside the National Stadium, home of the Inter Secondary Schools Athletics Championships, known as ‘Champs’. Champs is the scouting ground for young athletic talent, attracting recruiters from elite sports clubs and universities all over the world. Every March, crowds of people fill the stadium, decked out in their high-school colours, to cheer on the promising athletes. It's where many notable Olympians got their start. If you happen to be in Jamaica for Champs, don't miss the opportunity to head to the stadium and take in all the action.
Melrose Yam Park
Usain Bolt was known to eat yellow yam during training and there’s been much debate about the root vegetable stimulating a ‘speed gene’. We can’t confirm that but one thing we know for sure…it’s delicious! You’ll find yams of different varieties on the menu of many restaurants and streetside eateries. They come boiled in soups, baked, or mashed – but one of the most traditional ways to enjoy them is roasted over coals with saltfish. At Melrose Yam Park, you’ll meet warm and colourful characters serving up delicious dishes to hungry travellers. It’s truly our people who make this island so magical.
Half-Way Tree
Looking for an authentic experience? There is truly no place like Half-Way-Tree Square in Kingston during Olympics week. The Games are aired on the massive screens in island’s busiest thoroughfare. During the 2008 Olympics, the square was memorably dubbed ‘Beijing’ and since then it’s become tradition to gather in Half-Way-Tree and cheer on Team Jamaica.
Half-Way Tree square is just down the road from the Bob Marley Museum and Devon House – both are don’t-miss spots in Kingston.
Don’t forget to check in with your hotel or travel agent about Olympic Celebrations. Resorts like Half Moon and Jamaica Pegasus have already announced watch parties and activities around the Games.
Be sure to check out the excitement happening over at Jamaica House Paris! We’ll be sharing livestreams and highlights of all the action from our Olympics hospitality house – you may even catch a glimpse of the athletes, musicians and other celebrities as they pass through.